Andropogon gerardii 'Holy Smoke' is a bold upright ornamental grass known for its smoky blue green foliage that turns deep purples and reds in autumn. It forms vertical columns that add movement and seasonal drama to the garden while providing important cover and food for wildlife throughout the year. Its drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements make it ideal for naturalistic plantings and prairie style borders.
Height & Spread: 48 - 60 in x 24 - 36 in
Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained soil, tolerant of poor or sandy soils
Watering Needs: Low once established
Deer Resistance: Rarely browsed due to tough texture and aromatic foliage
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from Andropogon gerardii, a warm season native grass found widely throughout North America’s prairies and meadows. It maintains ecological benefits important to native landscapes.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Birds
- Seed heads attract finches, sparrows, and other seed eating songbirds through fall and winter. Dense clumps also provide shelter for ground nesting birds and overwintering insects.
Butterflies
- Serves as a host plant for skipper larvae and supports adult nectar feeding from nearby prairie species planted in conjunction.
Beneficial Insects
- Provides refuge for overwintering beetles, spiders, and predatory insects in its thick base and hollow stems.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Allow 24 - 36 in spacing to accommodate mature height and to showcase foliage form in open air plantings.
Landscape Placement:
- Use as an upright accent in meadow gardens, native prairie restorations, and large sunny borders. Ideal as a seasonal screen or backdrop for pollinator plantings.
Companion Plants
- Eryngium yuccifolium (Rattlesnake Master) - Structural bracts and unique form echo the strong lines of Andropogon while supporting pollinators and beneficial insects.
- Rudbeckia subtomentosa 'Henry Eilers' - Spiky quilled petals and golden tones create vibrant contrast and rhythm alongside big bluestem.
- Schizachyrium scoparium 'Standing Ovation' - Adds layered texture and changing autumn hues for dimensional interest in grass dominated beds.
- Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot) - Shares native prairie heritage and attracts pollinators with lavender blooms that contrast against the vertical foliage of big bluestem.
- Solidago rigida (Stiff Goldenrod) - Golden clusters on upright stems complement the grass’s height and draw in butterflies and native bees.