Big bluestem ‘Blackhawks’ named 2026 Perennial Plant of the Year
The Perennial Plant Association has announces the 2026 Perennial Plant of the Year is Andropogon gerardii ‘Blackhawks’. Selected by PPA members, this exceptional cultivar, commonly known as big bluestem ‘Blackhawks’, stands out for its striking appearance and resilience once established.
More compact than other big bluestem varieties, ‘Blackhawks’ reaches a height of 5 feet and a width of 2 feet. Its near-black coloration and strong, upright growth habit create a dramatic presence in fall gardens. The dark green leaves emerge in spring, gradually transitioning to reddish-purple tips as summer progresses. By August, the characteristic three-parted “turkeyfoot” inflorescences appear, and by September, the entire plant takes on a deep purple hue.
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Blackhawks big bluestem provides vital habitat. Its dense foliage and sturdy stems offer nesting sites and cover for birds, while also serving as a larval food source for several skipper butterfly species. Though it forms a single clump, it may reseed in the garden
This cultivar is low maintenance, with no major pest or disease concerns. The only required care is cutting it back to the ground in late winter, like other ornamental grasses. Once established, a process that may take a few years, Blackhawks becomes very drought tolerant
Bill Hall, head hrower at Hoffman Nursery, said, “This upright growing big bluestem is slow to awaken from dormancy but is worth the wait. The dark purple foliage – which is near black – emerges clean and colors up quickly in the growing season. Like most Andropogon grasses, ‘Blackhawks’ seems to be relatively free of foliar disease.”
Photo courtesy of Olbrich Botanical Gardens.
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