Andropogon gerardii Blackhawks

Andropogon gerardii Blacklawks is a magnificent variety of Shepherd's Beard with remarkably coloured foliage that becomes almost black in autumn. It is a tall grass that forms a tuft that is both flexible and stiff, from which very airy, rather late flowers emerge in summer, with silky spikes that turn burgundy red at maturity. Solid against the wind, this perennial is very adaptable, making it suitable for many gardens. Superb in wild or meadow-inspired flower beds, it is particularly suitable for greening barren, poor, even dry soils, or on the contrary, humid banks.

Andropogon Blacklawks is a horticultural variety derived from a perennial grass locally called Big Bluestem or Shepherd's Beard. All these plants belong to the Poaceae family, the family of 'true' grasses. Andropogon gerardii is a perennial herbaceous plant, native to the continental regions of the United States. In nature, it is often found in sandy alluvial soils, wet in season, becoming very dry in summer. It is a very hardy species, generally considered the most rewarding among American grasses. This large and very resistant grass is easily cultivated in our gardens. Once deeply rooted, it withstands drought perfectly.

Andropogon Blacklawks is a non-spreading, non-invasive rhizomatous plant, described as tufted. It slowly forms a dense clump with a vertical but arching habit, reaching about 60 cm (24in) in height and 60-70 cm (24-28in) in width. Sometimes a bit slow to establish, this grass proves to be durable and vigorous over time. Its stiff and strong stems, called culms, are more or less bluish in colour and bear long, slender, flattened leaves whose colour changes throughout the seasons. In spring, the leaves are green with purple reflections. They gradually turn more and more purple, ending up almost black in October. Flowering usually takes place in August-September, depending on the climate. At the end of the floral stems, silky inflorescences emerge, reaching 1.30 m (4ft) above the ground. These are beautiful floral spikes that rival those of other ornamental grasses. These spikes are divided into three distinct strands that give them the amusing appearance of a chicken's foot. Initially yellow-orange in colour, these spikes gradually turn dark red. The deciduous foliage dries up in late autumn and regrows in spring.

Landscapers appreciate Shepherd's Grass for its ornamental qualities, but also for its physiological properties. Its root system, which reaches considerable depths, allows it to effectively stabilize banks and also enables the plant to withstand dry summers. In addition, its ability to tolerate significant fluctuations in soil moisture makes it a preferred plant for many gardens. Its abundant foliage can create visual screens or be used as a backdrop in landscaping. In a large border or flower bed, plant Andropogon Blacklawks alongside other robust plants that populate the great prairies of North America: echinaceas, asters, artemisias, sunflowers (helianthus), gauras, Schizachyrium, verbena Buenos Aires, agastaches, baptisias... Like all grasses, it is irreplaceable for bringing lightness to neighbouring plants, whether perennials or bushes.