'Blue Steel' puts the blue back in Big Bluestem. This standout selection forms a dense, upright clump of steel-blue foliage accented with purple highlights, offering a cool-toned alternative to red-focused varieties. As the season progresses, the blue and purple tones intensify, extending the plant's appeal well into fall. Flower spikes echo the foliage's rich hues, rising above the clump for added texture and movement.
With its strong vertical habit, 'Blue Steel' provides excellent winter interest and structure. Deeply rooted in its North American prairie heritage, this native grass thrives in tough conditions, including heavy clay soils, and is a resilient, low-maintenance choice for naturalistic plantings, meadows, and modern landscapes.
Dubbed the "monarch of the prairie", this native grass was once the dominant component of the American tallgrass prairie. It adapts easily to a wide range of soil and moisture conditions as long as full sun is provided. This long-lived grass has a variety of uses including screening, naturalizing, restoring prairies, and nesting materials for birds and mammals.
30ct Plug Tray |
72ct Plug Tray |
Height:
4.5 Feet
Spread:
2.5 Feet
Hardiness Zones:
3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color:
Purple shades Blue shades
Foliage Color:
Blue shades Purple shades
Sunlight:
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Water Requirements:
Low Water Needs Average Water Needs Consistent Water Needs
Soil Quality:
Poor Soil Quality Average Soil Quality
Soil Chemistry:
Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
Bloomtime:
Late Summer
Critter Resistant:
Deer Resistant Rabbit Resistant
Seasonal Interest:
Dried Seed Heads Fall Color
Growth Rate:
Medium
Garden Style:
Asian Cottage Eclectic Formal Modern
Other Features:
Border Plant Cut Flower Cut Foliage Dried Flower Drought Tolerant Easy To Grow Mass Planting Specimen Focal Point Fire Resistant
Origin:
Native to North America
Andropogon is not a fussy grower. It will tolerate just about any soil or moisture level as long as full sun is provided. Lean to average soils are best, as too much fertility will cause the plants to be more open and weak in habit. It is very low maintenance and long lived once established.
Container:
Premium 1 Gallon Pot
When to Plant:
Summer to late summer or spring
Finish:
6-8 weeks summer
8-10 weeks spring
Growing Temperature:
68-75° F
Holding Temperature:
50-60° F
Soil PH:
5.8-6.5
EC (What is EC?):
2.0-3.0 pour through method
Fertility:
Feed moderately with 100-150 ppm N at each watering.
For Controlled Release or Slow Release Fertilizer, see your preferred supplier for recommended rates for incorporation or top dressing, as it varies by fertilizer.
Vernalization:
Provide 10-12 weeks of temperatures below 45° F.
Pests & Diseases:
Aphids, mites, and caterpillars are the most common pests. Wet conditions can cause crown and root rot.
Potting & Timing:
It is best to plant warm season grasses in the summer as they perform much better in warm temperatures than under cooler temperatures. Large plugs can be planted in the spring but require warm greenhouse temperatures and longer bulking times.
Moisture:
Moderate moisture
Planting Level:
Top of plug slightly below soil line.
Lighting:
Long days are required to force into flower. High light levels are recommended.
Height:
4.5 Feet
Spread:
2.5 Feet
Hardiness Zones:
3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color:
Purple shades Blue shades
Foliage Color:
Blue shades Purple shades
Sunlight:
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Water Requirements:
Low Water Needs Average Water Needs Consistent Water Needs
Soil Quality:
Poor Soil Quality Average Soil Quality
Soil Chemistry:
Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
Bloomtime:
Late Summer
Critter Resistant:
Deer Resistant Rabbit Resistant
Seasonal Interest:
Dried Seed Heads Fall Color
Growth Rate:
Medium
Garden Style:
Asian Cottage Eclectic Formal Modern
Other Features:
Border Plant Cut Flower Cut Foliage Dried Flower Drought Tolerant Easy To Grow Mass Planting Specimen Focal Point
Origin:
Native to North America
Andropogon is not a fussy grower. It will tolerate just about any soil or moisture level as long as full sun is provided. Lean to average soils are best, as too much fertility will cause the plants to be more open and weak in habit. It is very low maintenance and long lived once established.
Container:
Premium 1 Gallon Pot
When to Plant:
Summer to late summer or spring
Finish:
6-8 weeks summer
8-10 weeks spring
Growing Temperature:
68-75° F
Holding Temperature:
50-60° F
Soil PH:
5.8-6.5
EC (What is EC?):
2.0-3.0 pour through method
Fertility:
Feed moderately with 100-150 ppm N at each watering.
For Controlled Release or Slow Release Fertilizer, see your preferred supplier for recommended rates for incorporation or top dressing, as it varies by fertilizer.
Vernalization:
Provide 10-12 weeks of temperatures below 45° F.
Pests & Diseases:
Aphids, mites, and caterpillars are the most common pests. Wet conditions can cause crown and root rot.
Potting & Timing:
It is best to plant warm season grasses in the summer as they perform much better in warm temperatures than under cooler temperatures. Large plugs can be planted in the spring but require warm greenhouse temperatures and longer bulking times.
Moisture:
Moderate moisture
Planting Level:
Top of plug slightly below soil line.
Lighting:
Long days are required to force into flower. High light levels are recommended.
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