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Andropogon gerardii 'Blackhawks' PP27,949

Status: In stock

Product ID#: gblac
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Local Pick-up Waterloo, WI
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Product Description
Sun Exposure Sun
Bloom Time Summer
Soil Conditions Normal, Sandy, Clay/Heavy, Dry, Wet
Fall Color Burgundy/Purple
Flower Color Purple
Fruit Color Purple
Mature Plant Size (H x W) 4-5' x 18-20"
Once you see Blackhawks grass, it instantly lands on your "need to have" list! This warm season grass emerges dark green in the spring, but begins to turn purple in August. The color deepens as cooler night temperatures arrive, turning nearly black by late September. This grass does like full sun, dry to medium water, is low maintenance, and attracts birds. Best if massed in wildflower meadows, prairie, or naturalized areas. Also effective in the back of borders, native plant gardens, or as a small screen or accent.
  • sunshade Sun
  • Mature Plant Size (H x W) Mature Plant Size (H x W): 4-5' x 18-20"
  • Bloom Season Bloom Season: Summer
Key features
  • Attracts Birds
  • Deer Resistant
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Native
  • Winter Interest
  • Low Maintenance
  • Long Blooming
  • Stone Mulch
  • Rain Gardens
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Cut Flower
Planting Care

Planting & Care for Blackhawks Big Bluestem Ornamental Grass

Preparation
  • The Blackhawks Grass has  an early show of color to the garden with bright green.
  • The fall foliage is purple to black late September, which looks beautiful in the landscape.
  • Likes to grow in a sunny site.
  • Blackhawks Ornamental Grass can be used in mass or as a specimen in the landscape.
  • Extensive root system makes it a great grass for erosion control.
  • Good winter and year-round interest.
Opening Plant Material
  • Container - Completely saturate all container plants by putting in a larger container of water until stops bubbling, then remove the plant from the container. 
Planting Container
  • Dig a hole no deeper than the depth of the container and 6" or more wider on the sides.
  • Slide plant from pot by tapping on the bottom of the pot.
  • With shovel or knife trim bottom 2" off of the root ball for plants in plastic containers.
  • Rotate the plant to the proper position. Never lift or move plants by the tops.
  • Place the root ball in the hole.
  • Adjust the plant height so the root crown is slightly higher than the ground.
  • Place fertilizer packets into the bottom of the hole (if purchased). *Use Our Recommended Fertilizer
  • Back-fill the hole with soil, making sure the top of the root ball is visible and slightly higher than the soil around it.
  • Firm the soil around the plant. Water well to settle soil around the root ball.
  • Water frequently when newly planted. 
Pruning - After Planting
  • Container - Although it is not essential for container plants to be pruned after planting, a light pruning to remove any broken branches during shipment and improve shape will help the looks of your new planting.
Pruning - Through-out the Season
  • Cut back mid-late in March if possible before new growth begins.
 Watering - After Planting
  • Plants typically take approximately 6 weeks to establish new roots in your soil. During this period, water plants as oft en as every 2-4 days at the start and at least a minimum of once per week.
  • Beyond the 6 week establishment period, water once per week, unless rains occur.
Watering - Through-out the Season
  • After the first season, plants should only be watered during extended periods without rain.
  • How do you know if your plants need water? The easiest way to tell is to touch the soil around the roots. If it is moist, there is no need to water. If it is dry, give it a good soaking with the hose end (no nozzle) watering the soil only, not the leaves.

Planting & Handling Help

Download our Planting and Handling Guide below to plan for a successful arrival and install of your plants. Be sure to water all plants as soon as they arrive and every day until you’re ready to plant. Keep any bare root bundles in a shady, cool spot with the roots covered at all times.

Learn More

Watch our videos on handling bare root plants, how your order is prepared for shipment and more.

Plant Sizing

What is the difference between Containers, Grow Bags, Bare Root, and Balled & Burlap (B&B)?

Shipping Times

Our FedEx and local shipping times depend on two factors, one is by the region and the second is the type of product being shipped. For example, small fruits are only shipped in spring, but majority of our perennials are shipped from spring until fall. Keep in mind the dates below act as a general guide. Due to unpredictable weather, staffing, inventory and industry demands these timelines can change. Therefore, we cannot guarantee any of these times.

 

Shipping Dates by Region*

 

Northern Cold Region: April 22nd - November 7th

Northern Region: April 15th - November 7th

Middle Region: April 1st - November 7th

Southern Region: March 15th - November 7th

Local Delivery (small radius from Waterloo, WI): April 22nd - November 7th

 

Shipping Dates by Season*

 

Spring Shipping: Region Start Date (above) - May

Fall Shipping: September - November

 

Due to unpredictable weather, these times may vary. Some varieties are exceptions due to heat and plant health reasons. Enter your shipping zip code at the top of this page and be sure to check the shipping information on each product before you add it to your cart. If the product is too large or restricted in your state, you will not be able to checkout with that item in your cart.