Bluestem (Andropogon capillipes 'Valdosta Blue')

Overview

Andropogon capillipes ‘Valdosta Blue’, commonly known as Bluestem, is a stunning warm-season ornamental bunchgrass highly valued for its distinctive, powdered blue foliage. This cultivar, often called chalky bluestem, provides excellent visual texture in the landscape, contrasting nicely with green plantings. Its native range extends through the moist areas of the southeastern U.S.

This clump-forming grass typically reaches 2 to 4 feet tall, topped by feathery, silvery-white flower panicles in late summer. The foliage of Andropogon capillipes ‘Valdosta Blue’ holds its attractive blue hue well, transitioning to coppery-orange tones after the first frost, offering prolonged winter interest. Gardeners seek out this species specifically for its high-value ornamental features and low maintenance requirements in appropriate settings.

The defining feature setting this Bluestem apart is its preference for consistently moist to wet soils, distinguishing it from many other Andropogon species. When sited correctly, the maintenance level remains low, making it an effortless way to introduce vertical structure and unique color to water-edge plantings or damp garden areas.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Poaceae
• Plant Type: Ornamental grass
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-10
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 2-4 ft
  • Spread: 1-3 ft
• Bloom Time: September to October
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium to wet
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Planting Andropogon capillipes ‘Valdosta Blue’ is best achieved in spring once the threat of frost has passed, placing it in an area that receives full sun to light afternoon shade. This species thrives in average, moist, medium to wet, well-drained soils. It is crucial to note that this Bluestem is intolerant of dry soils; moisture availability dictates its success.

Regarding ongoing care, this grass requires consistent moisture. While it tolerates occasional drought once established, its optimal performance requires soil that remains moist. Fertilization is rarely necessary when planted in rich, native soils. Recognize that Andropogon capillipes ‘Valdosta Blue’ freely self-seeds under ideal, damp growing conditions, which can lead to volunteer plants appearing nearby.

Pruning is minimal; cut the clumps down to ground level in late winter or early spring before the new shoots begin to emerge. This late cleanup allows the attractive dormant foliage and seed heads to provide winter structure. Be aware that winter hardiness might be questionable in the northern limits of Zone 6; in these areas, providing a protected location is recommended.

Landscape Uses

The inherent moisture needs of this Bluestem make it an exceptional choice for specific landscape niches where other ornamental grasses struggle. It excels in transition areas, serving as a beautiful natural boundary between drier lawn areas and true water features. Using Andropogon capillipes ‘Valdosta Blue’ en masse creates a striking river of blue-green that catches the sunlight.

For formal designs, utilize this grass for mass plantings or as specimen accents near pond margins, stream banks, or rain gardens. Its texture is excellent for softening hardscaping lines or blending into mixed perennial borders, provided the companion plants share its love for moisture. The vertical structure provided by this Bluestem offers excellent screening and seasonal interest throughout the colder months.

Standout Features

Noteworthy Characteristics

Andropogon capillipes, commonly known as bushy bluestem, bushy beardgrass or bushy broom grass, is a warm season, clump-forming, ornamental bunchgrass which is typically grown for its attractive foliage and feathery, club shaped flower/seed panicles. It is native to the southeastern U.S. (North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida) where it typically occurs in moist soils in swamp peripheries, marshes, pastures, low spots and coastal areas. This grass features an erect clump of flattened blue-green leaf blades (to 1/ 2” wide) which typically grow to 2-4’ tall with a spread to 3” wide. Flower stalks are topped by dense, fluffy, narrow, silvery white flower panicles (plumes) which rise above the foliage in late summer to early fall to as much as 6’ tall. After frost, the foliage and bushy panicles turn coppery-orange with the panicles softening into billowy plumes, providing good ornamental interest well into winter.

Tolerances

• Deer
• Drought
• Black Walnut
• Air Pollution

Potential Problems

This Bluestem cultivar generally exhibits very few serious insect or disease problems, contributing to its low maintenance profile. The primary concern relates to establishment and location stability. Winter hardiness is the most critical potential issue; successful overwintering may be difficult in the northern parts of USDA Zone 6.

To mitigate winter loss in cooler zones, site the plant in a microclimate that offers protection from harsh winter winds or heavy snow loads. Ensure planting areas have good drainage, even if the soil is wet, as standing water coupled with hard freezes can damage the root crown of Andropogon capillipes ‘Valdosta Blue’.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Bluestem suitable for?

This variety of Bluestem, Andropogon capillipes ‘Valdosta Blue’, is generally suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 10.

How large does Andropogon capillipes ‘Valdosta Blue’ grow?

When mature, this ornamental grass typically reaches a height between 2 and 4 feet, with a spread ranging from 1 to 3 feet wide.

When does Bluestem bloom?

This ornamental grass produces its distinctive plumes, which rise above the foliage, during the blooming period of September to October.

What sun exposure does Andropogon capillipes ‘Valdosta Blue’ need?

This grass performs best when situated in conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade exposure.

Companion Planting

Since Andropogon capillipes ‘Valdosta Blue’ demands medium to wet soil conditions, companion plants should share this high moisture requirement to ensure cohesive landscape maintenance. Look to other moisture-loving natives like Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) or Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata). These associates thrive in similar soils and offer contrasting flower shapes and colors alongside the blue foliage of the Bluestem.

Another excellent combination involves planting this grass near water-side perennials such as Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor) or various rushes and sedges. This synergy creates a naturalized, bog-garden aesthetic that celebrates wet feet without sacrificing year-round structure provided by the Bluestem.

Seasonal Care Calendar

For spring preparation, wait until late winter or very early spring to prune back the old foliage of Andropogon capillipes ‘Valdosta Blue’. This timing protects the crown and allows the dead structure to offer some winter insulation. If new growth seems slow in spring, ensure the soil is staying adequately moist.

Summer care is primarily observational, focusing on moisture retention. Supplement watering during prolonged dry spells, especially if you notice the characteristic blue color fading, indicating stress. Since this grass is low maintenance, routine feeding is usually unnecessary.

In the fall, enjoy the coppery-orange seasonal color shift. Allow the seed heads to persist into winter for textural appeal and potential habitat contribution. Plan for cleanup only after the foliage has turned color and you are ready for your late winter/early spring structural pruning.

Conclusion

The striking, powdered blue foliage of Andropogon capillipes ‘Valdosta Blue’ makes it an outstanding architectural plant, particularly valuable for gardeners needing robust texture in moist areas. This low-maintenance Bluestem offers seasonal color shifts and reliable perennial performance across USDA Zones 6 to 10. Before installing, confirm your site consistently provides the medium to wet soil conditions that this beautiful grass requires for thriving success.