Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) 'Karls Cousin' is an outstanding naturally occuring cultivar that was selected from the wild by Dave MacKenzie of Hortech for its tight and upright habit. This beautiful ornamental grass resists flopping and grows to an astounding height of 6-7 feet tall when it blooms! 'Karls Cousin' will start out blue-green at the beginning of the season until late summer when shades of purple-blue will appear. This plant's upright habit and height make it a striking addition to any garden bed, border, or area needing a privacy screen, even if the planting area is narrow.
Big Bluestem 'Karls Cousin'
Native to Cache County: No
Irrigation Requirement: Very Low (Water to Establish) (may require a few growing seasons of supplemental moisture if summer is dry) to Low (1/2" every 10-14 days)
Mature Size: 6 - 7' tall and 18 - 24" wide
Spacing: 2 - 3' apart
Season: Warm-season grass
Hardiness Zone: 3 - 9
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Deer Resistant: Yes
Salt Tolerant: Moderately
Soils: Adaptable to sandy, loamy, or clay soils that are well-drained. Although this cultivar resists flopping, do not plant in extremely fertile soils.
Big Bluestem provides seeds, cover, habitat, and nesting sites for birds and small mammals.