Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) 'Rain Dance' is a showy cultivar of the native big bluestem, prized for its beautiful foliage. This dark-green foliage appears in the spring with red tips, which slowly turn totally maroon by fall. Like other varieties of Big Bluestem, this plant is very drought tolerant, but will look its best on a low irrigation schedule. Use as a specimen plant or a group planting in garden beds and borders, mixed grass plantings, natural prairie plantings, rock gardens, or as a shorter privacy screen. 'Rain Dance' is very tolerant of urban pollution and suitable for city environments.
Big Bluestem 'Rain Dance'
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) (preferred)
Mature Size: 5 - 6' tall and 3 - 4' 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. Will become floppy in overly amended or fertile soils.
Big Bluestem provides seeds, cover, habitat, and nesting sites for birds and small mammals.