The Perennial Plant Association (PPA) has selected Andropogon gerardii 'Blackhawks' as its 2026 plant of the year. It's commonly known as Blackhawks big bluestem, and its dark purple color in fall makes it a dramatic addition to almost any garden.
Unlike some of the other big bluestems, this one is more compact in size, reaching just five feet tall and about two feet wide. Its green leaves emerge in spring and darken in summer into a reddish hue at the tips. By late summer, flower clusters appear, and in early fall, the entire plant transitions into a deep purple hue.
Richard Hawke, director of ornamental plant research at the Chicago Botanic Garden, says the plant "became a standout" in the garden's ornamental grass trial. "It is the perfect choice, he says, "to add color, texture and movement to smaller gardens or landscapes where one of its bigger relatives would overwhelm."
Blackhawks was introduced by Brent Horvath of Intrinsic Perennial Gardens in Hebron, Illinois.
Blackhawks offers refuge for birds and is a larval food source for several skipper butterfly species. It has no major pest or disease problems, and once established, it's quite drought tolerant. Hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
PPA's recommendations for plant companions include black-eyed Susans, tall stonecrops and asters.
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