Big Bluestem ‘Red October’ is a cultivar of Big Bluestem that offers foliage 4-6 feet tall that changes color with the seasons. In spring, fresh leaves emerge in deep green with red highlights. In summer they are bright green, then transition to a purplish-red by late summer before finally becoming a vivid scarlet after the first fall frost. Burgundy-red, turkey-foot shaped seed heads bloom in August and persist into winter. Its foliage provides cover for small animals and nesting sites for birds. Birds will also eat its seeds, and butterflies appreciate its nectar.
‘Red October’ is easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. While it is tolerant of a wide range of soils and growing conditions, it produces the most growth in moist, fertile soils. However, it retains better stability and is less likely to topple in dryish, infertile soils. This grass develops an extensive root system and is somewhat slow to establish, but, once established, has excellent drought tolerance, is easy to maintain, and can provide erosion control. Cut stems to the ground in late winter before new shoots appear.
BONAP MAP
Height: 4′-6′ Spread: 2′-3′ Bloom: September-February Light: Full Sun-Part Shade Water: Low,-Medium Zone: 4-9 Origin: North America (Cultivar)
