Andropogon gerardii 'Rain Dance' (Big Bluestem) Unity Grown

Andropogon gerardii ‘Rain Dance’ is showy, ornamental cultivar of the native big bluestem grass, a large, perennial grass found across much of the eastern US. While the ‘Rain Dance’ cultivar is bit more compact than its parent species, its true draw is its incredible color in the landscape. Beginning vibrant green with streaks of crimson and wine red, ‘Rain Dance’ advances to a fall foliage show full of reds, purples, maroons, and scarlets. And though the early to mid-fall show is one draw, its late fall and winter habit sees it continue holding its brassy dried foliage firmly upright, giving it major multi-season interest to boot.

Relatively slow to establish, Andropogon gerardii ‘Rain Dance’ is drought-resistant once established and, when provided with full sun, reaches only 4-5' tall, compared to up to 8' with other cultivars. ‘Rain Dance’ prefers average water levels, and isn’t picky about soil type, even tolerating some salt exposure. In the summer, three-pronged 'turkey foot' flowers in shades of red and purple appear in before turning to profuse, persistent seed heads, which last through the winter and provide an important food source for migrating and overwintering birds. An excellent choice for sunny, drought-prone gardens, massed plantings in borders, or even for wild prairie restoration projects, Andropogon gerardii ‘Rain Dance' is a colorful cultivar with a ton of ecological and ornamental appeal.