Bluestem Is Perennial Plant Of The Year

Bluestem Is Perennial Plant Of The Year Since its launch in 1990, the Perennial Plant of the Year (PPOY) program has showcased standout garden varieties. Winners tend to be low-maintenance, suitable for a range of climates, provide multi-seasonal interest, and be relatively pest and disease-free. Each year’s winner is chosen by a vote of hundreds of horticulture professionals across the United States and Canada. The PPOY committee reviews the nominated perennials—often more than 400—and selects three or four to place on the ballot. Perennial Plant Association (PPA) members vote for a winner each summer and may submit up to two nominations for upcoming years. The Association has no commercial interest in the winners; instead, it recognizes them solely on the basis of their performance. The 2026 winner, Blackhawks big bluestem, was announced at the 2025 Symposium in Des Moines, Iowa, in July. It’s a subcategory of big bluestem, one of the dominant perennial grasses in North America’s tallgrass prairies. Bluestem grows in dense, single clumps but can reseed in suitable soil. It has few, if any, pest or disease problems and requires no maintenance except cutting the stems back to the ground for winter. Once established—which may take a few years—the plants are highly drought-tolerant. Blackhawks big bluestem originated as a seedling from Andropogon gerardii “Red October” and was introduced by Brent Horvath of Intrinsic Perennial Gardens in Hebron, Ill. This grass stands out for its striking appearance and resilience. It’s more compact than other bluestem varieties, growing to just 5 ft. tall by 2 ft. wide. The near-black coloration and upright growth habit create a striking presence, especially in fall gardens. Dark green leaves sprout in spring and gradually develop reddish-purple tips as summer heat intensifies. By August, it forms a three-part “turkeyfoot” inflorescence that turns entirely purple in September. Late in the season, tall flower spikes add texture and movement. The 2026 winner is an ideal choice for adding color, texture and movement to small garden spaces where a full-sized bluestem might be overwhelming. The PPA suggests pairing the Blackhawks big bluestem with companion plants like asters, tall stonecrops and black-eyed Susans, or combining it with contrasting textures and movement patterns. This makes it well-suited for native, naturalistic and cottage-style gardens. The striking plant also provides nesting space for birds and serves as a food source for the larvae of several skipper butterfly species. While Blackhawks big bluestem is best suited to average, dry-to-medium, well-drained soils, it’s adaptable to a wide range of conditions, except fertile, moist soils. Expect it to grow well in USDA Zones 3 to 9. We found Blackhawks big bluestem available online from Garden Goods Direct, Bluestone Perennials, American Meadows and several others.

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