Andropogon is a large genus of grasses, commonly called Bluestems, or Shepherd’s Beard for their intriguing hairy flower-spikes and brooding blue-green foliage. From late summer the upright flower stems rise skywards creating a strong vertical presence at the back of sunny, well drained borders. The tufted flower spikes wave in the breeze, attracting insects to the shelter of this useful habitat plant. By autumn the foliage has darkened to deep shades of purple, and burgundy bringing a dramatic ambience to planting schemes.

Originating from North American prairie regions, these hardy perennial grasses are tough and resilient, withstanding drought, poor soils and general neglect with ease. An irrepressible, carefree attitude and dense, resilient root system make them particularly useful for naturalising, stabilising soils and preventing soil erosion when grown en-masse.

Introduce texture and movement to sunny gravel gardens, coastal themes and prairie borders. This versatile grass delivers low maintenance gardening with a beguiling, theatrical edge!

How to plant

— Andropogon are supplied in spring as bare roots for potting between February and May. They must be planted soon after delivery. If you can't plant on the day of delivery, remove the roots from the packaging within 1-2 days of delivery and place in a bowl of water outdoors to soak, then plant within a week.

— All bare root ornamental grasses should be potted up and grown on for some time prior to transferring into borders.

— Soak the roots in water for 3-6 hours prior to planting. Pot into temporary 2 litre (or 15-20cm diameter) pots, using a good quality multi-purpose compost.

— Plant with the roots fully submerged in the compost. There will be some old brown foliage from the previous year which is cut at around 10cm. This should be left exposed above the soil surface. New shoots will emerge from the base of these dried stems.

— Grow them on in a sheltered spot outside. They can be transplanted to borders after 2-4 months or once growth is established and the plants easily come out of the temporary pots with the soil held together by the roots. When you see roots starting to emerge from the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot, they are ready to be transplanted.

— When they’re ready to plant into the garden, choose a position with moist but well-drained soil. Dig over the area first to loosen the soil and remove any weeds. The area should be in full sun.

— It is recommend to add multipurpose compost to the planting hole when planting, this will add nutrients to the immediate area and provide a soft medium for new roots to grow easily.

— Position your your plant into the hole and backfill with soil. Firm down after planting, ensuring the base of the stems remain level with the soil surface. Water thoroughly after planting.

— Andropogon can also grow very well long-term in patio containers. If your Andropogon is intended to remain in a patio container, you can plant the bare root directly into the patio container with fresh multipurpose compost, there is no need to pot up and grow on first in this instance.

— Mark with a cane and monitor your newly-planted Andropogon in the first year, check moisture levels regularly and remove any excess growth from neighbouring plants in the border which are encroaching.

— This perennial is fully hardy and doesn't require winter proection in most areas, tolerating temperatures down to around -15C.

— Water-in after planting and keep hydrated when in growth, particularly during the first year. Once fully settled in, they are tolerant to quite dry conditions.

— Bare root grasses will have some dried foliage from the past year still intact. Andropogon supplied in late spring will have some pale shoots which have already emerged. The shoots will soon start to green up after planting, watering and being exposed to daylight, or may die back and be replaced by new shoots. Additional shoots will also emerge throughout summer.

Aftercare

— Andropogon are deciduous, naturally dying back in the autumn. New growth will emerge each spring.

— The faded stems stand well over winter and can be left intact until the spring. They make an attractive feature and provide good habitat for wildlife and pollinating insects.

— This perennial grass is fully hardy and does not require winter protection once it is established. However, new plants may benefit from some shelter from severe weather in their first winter.

— Cut back the old stems to 10cm above ground level in spring to make way for fresh new leaves.

— Andropogon will naturally form a clump once established. Congested clumps can be lifted and divided in early spring when necessary.

Read further general instructions about planting bare-root ornamental grasses