Red October Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii 'Red October')

Red October Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii 'Red October') is a narrow, upright, clump-forming grass grown for its changing foliage color. Leaves start deep green with red highlights in spring, deepen to burgundy in fall, and turn candy-apple red mixed with scarlet after the first frost.

Turkey-foot-shaped seed heads also display shades of red. This drought-tolerant selection adds height, texture, and fall color to sunny plantings.

Growing details

• Plant type: Ornamental grass
• Species origin: North America, including Georgia
• Mature size: 4–6 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide
• Hardiness: USDA zones 5–8
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained soil
• Seed heads: Turkey-foot-shaped, in shades of red
• Fall foliage: Burgundy, turning red and scarlet after frost
• Additional trait: Drought tolerant

Care and garden use

This low-maintenance grass should be cut to the ground in late winter before new shoots appear.

Use as an accent or in grouped plantings, borders, wildlife gardens, naturalized areas, foundation plantings, or spacious containers. Pair with milkweed, tickseed, or black-eyed Susan for contrasting flowers and foliage.

Image credits: Matt Lavin, Andropogon gerardii - big (photo 48666472461) and Andropogon gerardii - big bluestem (photo 48666137008); Tom Potterfield, Andropogon gerardii (big bluestem). Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.