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Gardeners and designers have embraced the sturdy virtues of these robust native grasses. Great breeding from Intrinsic Perennial Gardens has further amplified ornamental value. Necessary and nice, you'll be glad you added these eco-friendly elements to your program. Andropogon gerardii'Holy Smoke' PP33929Rigid 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 displa

For centuries, if not millennia, Andropogon gerardii, dominated America’s tallgrass prairies. It’s largely been replaced there by other grasses like Zeamays and Triticumaestivum, a.k.a. corn and wheat.But “big bluestem” is adaptable. It found new homes. Tough and self-reliant, Andropogon became a go-to plant for reclaiming damaged soils. And thanks to modern breeding, it’s increasingly welcome as an ornamental, especially in gardens dedicated to indigenous plants. Here are some of our faves.&nb