Andropogon gerardii 'Red October' PP26283

Also Known As

Red October Big Bluestem
Turkeyfoot

Plant type

perennial, grass / grass like

size

H: 6'-8'
W: 2'-3'

planting zones

3a-9b

More Options

Andropogon gerardii 'Red October' PP26283 plant details

Andropogon gerardii 'Red October' PP26283 is a deciduous perennial grass (or grassy in appearance) with burgundy, green and red foliage. In fall and summer burgundy and red flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Attracts butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in alkaline, average, clay, gritty, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant, verticillium wilt resistant and wind tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Andropogon gerardii 'Red October' PP26283

Plant type: perennial grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: poaceae
Foliage: deciduous burgundy, green and red
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 6 FT - 8 FT - tall
Flowers: burgundy and red blooms in fall and summer
Uses: border plant, container plant, rock garden, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Andropogon gerardii 'Red October' PP26283

USDA Zones: 3a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat, humidity, verticillium wilt and wind
Soil needs: alkaline, average, clay, gritty, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Andropogon gerardii or big bluestem is a long-lived grass that forms a tall, strictly upright clump of deep green foliage to 5 feet tall. The foliage of 'Red October' will transition to bright red then smoky purple beginning in midsummer continuing into fall. Deep purple flowers with bright red-orange pollen top this colorful and statuesque display. Use as a stately focal point in the garden. A Canadian native from Saskatchewan to Quebec.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

A tall and upright Bluestem variety with fantastic coloring in the fall and wintertime. Leaves are green with red highlights in the growing season. Fall colors are dark burgundy with brighter red hues for the approaching wintertime.

By: Conifer Kingdom

A selection of this striking native grass from Brent Horvath is remarkable for its dark blue green foliage which begins to turn brilliant red in early fall. It forms 2' wide clumps that reach 5-6' in height. Grow it in lean conditions (it will flop if you give it too rich a soil).

By: Avant Gardens

This recent Intrinsic Perennial Garden introduction is quickly earning kudos for its spectacular shades of red and long-lived amenable character. August brings rich cardinal red accents to lush dark green blades that define a substantial straight-up clump, while unique threebranched inflorescences with bright red pollen sacs sway above. Strutting fiery scarlet-red and burgundy colors by the first frost, aptly named 'Red October' provides welcome cover for nesting birds and makes a galvanizing addition to a mixed planting, meadow garden or naturalized space. (PPAF)

By: Digging Dog Nursery

Another great bluestem introduced by Intrinsic Perennial Gardens.? This one was selected for its fantastic fall color.? Finer foliage than the species is deep green and may have some red tips in spring.? Starting in August the red highlights increase and deepen to a rich burgundy red.? After the first frost foliage becomes more scarlet red.? Red flowers begin in August.? Full sun is best for red foliage color.

By: Botanophilia

Garden photo gallery of Andropogon gerardii 'Red October' PP26283

Photo of Andropogon gerardii 'Red October' PP26283 foliage by Avant Gardens

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By: Avant Gardens

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Gardening facts about Andropogon gerardii 'Red October' PP26283 plant

How to Grow Andropogon gerardii 'Red October' PP26283

Sun Exposure
- sun - mostly sun
Water Needs
- regular - drought tolerant
Soil Needs
- clay
- alkaline
- adaptable
- average
- well-drained
- rich
- gritty
Special Situation
- heat tolerant
- humidity tolerant
- wind tolerant
- verticillium wilt resistant