Gardeners and designers have come to embrace the sturdy virtues of these robust native grasses. Great breeding from Intrinsic Perennial Gardens has further amplified their ornamental value.

Necessary and nice, you'll be glad you added these eco-friendly elements to your program.

Andropogon gerardii

Andropogon g. 'Red October' PP26283

Deep green foliage darkens to purple in late summer, then vivid scarlet in autumn for spectacular late-season color.

Big and small, bluestem grasses are both beautiful and beneficial. Once relegated to blue-collar roles like erosion control and cattle fodder, big bluestem (Andropogon) and little bluestem, (Schizachyrium) now mingle with the bluebloods of the mixed perennial border.

To say they're deep-rooted is both metaphor and reality. They were here before America was America, and they can delve way down to find water when less resourceful plants wither. Mature plants are tolerant of drought, strong sun, and varied soils.

'Holy Smoke' PP33929

Rigid red flower stems rise to five feet tall over 30" stands of upright/arching foliage.

The hardy, drought-tolerant foliage takes on beautiful hues of reds and purples for a lovely fall display. 

'Rain Dance' PP26284

An Emerald Coast Growers exclusive from Intrinsic Perennial Gardens.

Red-tipped foliage, deeper green than the species, turns completely maroon in fall.

Red flowers on straight, red stems grow to almost five feet tall. The blooms float over 20" clumps of deeply rooted foliage.

These North American native genera are so closely related, they once were categorized with the same name. Both sport glamorous color-changing foliage for fall. Both are hardy to Zone 3 and prefer high light and warm nights for a fast finish.

Schizachyrium scoparium

'Little Red Fox' PPAF

Fine-textured blue-green foliage in spring with vibrant red highlights beginning mid-summer.

The foliage takes on deeper red, purple, and eye-catching silver tones with autumn's cool nights. Maintains a very sturdy habit throughout winter. 

Mature height 2 - 2.5'

'Sandhill' PPAF

An elegant stand-out from other bluestems with wider, flat blades for an impressive garden presence.

It was named for the Sandhill Crane, with an upright stature and gray-blue foliage. Fall brings rich colors of orange and red. 

Mature height 4 - 4.5'

These groundbreaking selections from Brent Horvath require little maintenance for big rewards. Late summer to early fall is prime time to boost your Big and Little Bluestem offerings. Start right with liners from Emerald Coast Growers – your easy choice!