Andropogon G. ‘Red October’ 2Gal

Latin Name: Andropogon gerardii 'Red October'

Common Name: Red October Big Bluestem

Zones: 3–9

Height & Spread: 4–6 feet tall, spreading 2–3 feet wide

Descriptive Features: A selection of the native prairie grass Big Bluestem, chosen for its narrow leaves, upright habit, and, above all, its dramatic seasonal color shift. Developed by Brent Horvath from an open-pollinated selection of 'Indian Warrior,' the dark green foliage emerges with reddish highlights in spring, deepens to burgundy-red through late summer, and turns a vivid, candy-apple scarlet after the year's first frost — one of the most striking fall displays of any ornamental grass. Even the distinctive, turkey-foot-shaped seed heads carry reddish, coppery-bronze tones, appearing on showy plumes from late summer into fall and providing food and cover for at least two dozen songbird species, as well as habitat for native butterflies and moths. Clump-forming with an upright, slightly leggy habit best paired with lower-growing companions to hide its base. Highly adaptable to a wide range of soils, from dry and sandy to clay, and extremely drought-tolerant once established; performs best in poorer, leaner soils to avoid floppy growth. Deer-resistant and low-maintenance, needing only an early spring cutback before new growth resumes. An excellent choice for the back of mixed borders, prairie and meadow plantings, or mass plantings in full sun.