All About Big Bluestem ‘Holy Smoke’

Your Guide to Planning, Planting and Growing Big Bluestem ‘Holy Smoke’

Big Bluestem ‘Holy Smoke’ (Andropogon gerardii) is a striking ornamental cultivar of the native tallgrass prairie grass, grown for its vivid, season‐long foliage transformation and architectural form. Dubbed the "monarch of the prairie," Big Bluestem grass was once the dominant component of the American tallgrass prairie. 'Holy Smoke' is a unique variety selected for vigor, sturdy stems, and wonderful changing colors throughout the seasons. Attracts butterflies, provides a bird seed source, is pollinator-friendly and deer resistant.

In the spring stems emerge with red tones beneath blades of blue-green. In the summer, foliage shifts to green with touches of maroon while the stems remain a bronzy-red. In late summer to fall, leaves transform into a display of smoky purple, burgundy, bronze, orange and pink—inspiring its name ‘Holy Smoke.’

Plan for Success
Full Sun
For the best color, Big Bluestem should be grown in full sun for at least 6 hours daily. It will tolerate light shade, but expect some color discoloration.

Hardiness Zone 3-8
Grows well in hardiness zones 3 through 8, tolerating cold temperatures ranging from -40ºF to 30ºF.

Bare Root vs Potted
Bare root perennials often provide better value, a wider selection, and potentially healthier plants than potted ones. They typically establish more quickly, grow faster, and are easier to plant.

When to Plant
Planting bare root ornamental grasses in the fall gives them time to develop a strong root system before winter, resulting in healthier growth and more vibrant displays in spring. The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall of fall create ideal conditions for root establishment.

Plant your bare root grass within a week of bringing it home. If you are unable to plant within a week and need to push out planting up to 2 weeks, keep the roots moist, but not saturated. You can wrap them in a paper towel or burlap and secure them with twine. Store in a cool, dark place (unheated shed or garage).

How to Plant

Before planting, hydrate the roots by submerging them in water for at least an hour to ensure they are hydrated.

1. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the roots and the same depth in a well-drained, shade location
2. Place the roots in the hole with the top of the root crown slightly higher than the surrounding soil
3. Build a water-retaining berm around the hole to retain moisture
4. Backfill the hole halfway with soil and water thoroughly to eliminate any pockets of air around the roots.
5. Continue backfilling with soil until the soil is level.
6. Water deeply.

Where to Plant
Bluestem ‘Holy Smoke’ offers bold vertical interest and season-long color shifts. Great grown in small groupings, or large drifts for dramatic effect. Grow in well-drained locations where you want to host butterflies and provide seeds for birds from fall through winter. Ideally grown as a prairie or native plant, Big Bluestem helps prevent erosion on slopes.

What to Expect
When planting a bare root grass, you can expect a somewhat slow start, but with proper care, it will establish well and grow into a healthy, attractive plant. You may see no foliage or just a few brownish ones because it is dormant. This is normal! Focus on the roots and potential rather than the top of the plant.

Spring Planted Big Bluestem Grasses
When planting bare root grass, you can expect a somewhat slow start, but with proper care, it will establish well and grow into a healthy, attractive plant. You may see no foliage or just a few brownish ones because it is dormant. This is normal! Focus on the roots and potential rather than the top of the plant.

The roots will be exposed and may look dry. Soaking them before planting is helpful. In the first 2 weeks after planting, you won’t be able to see it, but the roots will begin to wake up. Within 3-6 weeks, you may see new green shoots start to emerge, especially if the weather is warm. Growth is slow and modest at first, so be patient. By one full season, you will see grass about 1.5ft tall and 8” wide. Over the years, it will gradually get larger and reach its full potential by the 3rd growing season at 3-4ft tall and 2-3ft wide.

Fall Planted Big Bluestem Grasses
When planted in the fall, these grasses benefit from cooler temperatures and moist soil, allowing their roots to establish before winter. While top growth may not be immediately vigorous, the root system will develop underground, setting the stage for strong, healthy growth in spring. After going dormant for the winter, growth begins in early spring and will be gradual as the temperatures rise but will become steady as the season progresses. 
 

How to Care for Big Bluestem ‘Holy Smoke’
Caring for Big Bluestem ‘Holy Smoke’  is relatively easy. Keep the soil consistently moist when newly planted. Once established, water regularly but avoid soggy soil to prevent root rot. Bluestem does not require much fertilizer, but if needed, apply a balanced feed in the spring. If clumps become too large, divide in early summer.

Leave the foliage intact through the winter for visual interest and wildlife benefit. Prune in early spring, cutting the old stems and foliage down 2-4” above the ground.