Bushy Bluestem Grass
Andropogon glomeratus
Plant Details
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones:Â 5a-9b (3-4?)Â Â Find Your Zone
Plant Type:Â Ornamental Grass
Height at Maturity:Â 4-6′
Width at Maturity:Â 2-3′
Spacing:Â 2.5′ for mass plantings, 7’+ for space between plants
Spacing:Â 2.5′ for mass plantings, 7’+ for space between plants
Growth Habit / Form:Â Clump, Upright
Growth Rate:Â Fast
Flower Color:Â Silvery White
Flower Size:Â Small in thin vertical seed heads
Flowering Period:Â Late Summer through Late Fall
Bloom Type:Â Â Cotton candy-like plume
Fragrant Flowers:Â No
Foliage Color: Green to Green Blue in Spring and Summer, Copper in Fall and Winter
Fragrant Foliage:Â NoÂ
Berries:Â Â No
Berry Color:Â NA
Sun Needs:Â Full to Mostly Sun, at least 6 hours direct sun per day preferred
Water Needs:Â Â Average to High
Soil Type:Â Clay, Loam, Sandy, Silty
Soil Moisture / Drainage:Â Moist But Well Drained, prefers consistently moist soil
Soil pH:Â 5.5 – 7.0Â
Maintenance / Care:Â Very LowÂ
Attracts:Â Visual Attention, Birds
Resistances:Â Air Pollution, Black Walnut, Deer, Disease, Heat, Humidity, Insect, Rabbits, Temporary Wet Soil
Description
Unlike many other Andropogon that prefer a drier soil, the Bushy Bluestem Grass, Andropogon glomerata, is an outstanding North American native that much prefers life on the damp side, which makes it a fine asset in low-lying areas and drainage ditches. growing in a vertical column up to 6 feet high and 2 to 3 feet wide, Bushy Bluestem’s foliage is vibrant green in the summer and turns very attractive shades of copper-orange in the fall. In late summer, fluffy, cotton candy-like silvery-white flower heads emerge to catch the light and glow as they rise above the foliage. The sheaths that hold the flowers turn a striking salmon-orange in fall and are great for use in dried flower arrangements. A luxurious, easy-to-grow and extremely low maintenance addition to your fall flower display!
Wildlife Assets
Bushy Bluestem supports common Wood-Nymph butterfly larvae which have one brood from late May to October. Adult Common Wood-Nymph butterflies feed on flowers and flower nectar. This plant also supports various Skipper larvae. Provides excellent cover year-round and birds use the dry blades for nesting material. Seeds are eaten by songbirds and small mammals.
Landscape & Garden UsesÂ
Growing 4 to 6 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide, the Bushy Bluestem Grass is ideal for use as a vertical accent in smaller garden spaces or in groupings or large drifts or mass plantings in larger landscape borders. A fine addition to ornamental grass gardens, bird and wildlife gardens, native plant gardens, prairies, meadows or naturalized areas.Â
Spacing:Â 2 to 3 feet apart for mass plantings; 7+ feet or more apart for space between plants
How To Measure for Total Square Feet
How Many Plants to Fill a Planting Area
Growing Preferences
Bushy Bluestem Grass is exceptionally easy to grow in consistently moist to damp but well-drained average to poor soil in full sun. We suggest at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. It tolerates a wide range of soil types ranging from clay to sandy. Cut plants back to just above the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Helpful Articles
Click on the Planting & Care Advice tab on this page to find helpful tips from our experts.
How To Measure for Total Square Feet
How Many Plants to Fill a Planting Area
Plant Long & Prosper!
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