How to Grow Elliott's Bluestem

Overview

Elliot's bluestem--known botanically as Andropogon elliotti--is a perennial herb that is grown as an ornamental, forage or naturalized grass. It thrives in sunny open lands amongst other grasses in sandy and relatively dry soil. Its grows up to three-feet in height when in bloom. It self-sows in the fall and winter and is planted mechanically in soil plug form when used for commercial forage or habitat restoration.

Step 1

Plant Elliot's bluestem by large potted tufts of the grass or by individual culms. Bury either form down in the soil to the level just where the rhizomes or roots transition to the stalk. Firm the soil around the rhizomes and roots to make good contact and collapse any air pockets.

Step 2

Apply 1 inch of water at planting to settle the soil and fortify the roots as they establish themselves. Irrigate your bluestem sparingly after it is established augmenting rainfall to avoid excessive periods of drought longer than one month. As it is acclimated to growing in average nutrient quality sandy soil, no chemical fertilizers are necessary or desirable.

Step 3

Allow Elliot's bluestem infloresences and seed heads to mature on their stalks through the winter to release their seeds to the soil and wind effectively self sowing. Germination of naturalized seed should occur within a month depending on conditions and new plants will develop to maturity over 6 weeks.