Andropogon gerardii “Rain Dance”

Big Bluestem
Andropogon gerardii “Rain Dance”
Type: Ornamental Grass
Exposure: Full Sun
Water: Regular

Bluestem is native to North American tall grass prairies and has been considered a sturdy and reliable, if not particularly attractive, grass. Then this variety came along.

Retaining the durability of its native cousin, “Rain Dance” is anything but Plain Jane. Erect, red-tipped blades become fully red in late summer, and then maroon in fall. It can grow to form an upright clump 6ft (1.8m) tall, and sometimes as much as 8ft (2.4m), by 3ft (90cm) wide. Flowers are purplish, 4in (10cm) long and borne in groups of 3 or more at the top of stems, supposedly resembling the foot of a turkey. These are adorned with tiny but brilliant orange dots of pollen, which add a subtle but captivating point of interest to an already handsome specimen. It will tolerate dry conditions, but thrives with regular water.

Cheers,

John