Andropogon gerardii 'Dancing Wind' (Big Bluestem)

Andropogon gerardii 'Dancing Wind' (Big Bluestem) is a hardy, low-maintenance, dwarf cultivar of the native straight species Andropogon gerardii. While the cultivar is shorter, it doesn't lose any of the showiness associated with big bluestem; the summer foliage is light green accented with red, but as the season progresses, the foliage reliably turns from red to deep scarlets and wine colors. In addition, a shorter profile means that this bluestem's upright habit is more persistent through the colder months, so colorful dried foliage will be present through the fall and winter.

Relatively slow to establish, this grass is drought-resistance once established, and reaches up to six feet in height (compared to eight feet in other cultivars) in a variety of well drained soils, so long as it's provided with full sun; due to its smaller size 'Dancing Wind' is less water tolerant than some big bluestem cultivars, and prefers drier, less fertile soils. Three-pronged 'turket foot' flowers in shades of red and purple appear in late summer before turning to persistent seed heads, which last through the winter and provide a food source for migrating and overwintering birds. An equally excellent choice for sunny, drought-prone gardens or for erosion management projects, Andropogon gerardii 'Dancing Wind' is a colorful cultivar with excellent ecological benefits.

Note: Although the cultivar will last beautifully through the winter, it is advised to cut stems down to the ground in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears.