Blackhawks Big Bluestem is not a typical green grass. Its claim to fame is foliage that shifts from spring green to a deep, commanding burgundy-black by midsummer, creating a visual anchor in any landscape. The real challenge is finding a live specimen that ships healthy and actually delivers that distinct coloration without reverting to common green.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I spend my time comparing ornamental grass cultivars, analyzing germination data, and cross-referencing customer feedback with stated hardiness zones to separate genuine performers from overhyped listings.
This article breaks down the top cultivars and seed options available online, helping you select the blackhawks big bluestem grass that will thrive in your specific growing conditions and provide the dramatic seasonal color shift you are after.
How To Choose The Best Blackhawks Big Bluestem Grass
Blackhawks is a specific cultivar of Andropogon gerardii, prized for its unique dark foliage. Unlike standard Big Bluestem, this variety requires careful sourcing to ensure you receive the true cultivar and not a generic green seedling. Focus on two main factors: the plant form and the seller’s reputation.
Live Plant vs. Seed: Know Which You Need
A live container plant (like a #1 pot) gives you a rooted, established specimen that will display its dark coloration in the same growing season. Seed-grown Big Bluestem is cheaper and works for mass plantings, but seeds cannot guarantee the exact ‘Blackhawks’ genetics — you risk getting a mix of green and off-type plants. For a guaranteed dark-foliage specimen, a live plant is the only reliable route.
Check Hardiness and Shipping Restrictions
Blackhawks thrives in USDA Zones 4-9 and demands full sun. Many sellers restrict shipping to western states (CA, OR, WA, CO, etc.) due to agricultural regulations. Always confirm that the seller ships to your state before ordering. Also note that plants shipped between November and March may arrive dormant and look like dead sticks — this is normal, but you need to know it in advance.
Evaluate the Foliage Color Potential
The deep burgundy-black color develops in mid-to-late summer as the plant matures. Early-season foliage will be green. Don’t panic if your new plant is green in spring — that’s the natural growth cycle. The intensity of the dark pigmentation depends on full sun exposure and well-drained, dryish soil. Plants grown in rich, wet soil or partial shade may stay greener and flop over.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perennial Farm ‘Blackhawks’ | Live Plant | True cultivar dark foliage | #1 Container, 7 ft height | Amazon |
| Outsidepride Big Bluestem Seed | Seed | Mass seeding / erosion control | 1 lb, grows to 6 ft | Amazon |
| Outsidepride Tall Native Mix | Seed Mix | Diverse prairie planting | 4-species blend, 1 lb | Amazon |
| Pampas Grass (White) | Live Plant | Feathery white plumes | 2.5 qt pot, 10 ft height | Amazon |
| Pink Pampas Grass | Live Plant | Pink plume color accent | 1.5 qt pot, 10 ft height | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Perennial Farm Marketplace ‘Blackhawks’ Big Bluestem
This is the only product in this list that specifically delivers the ‘Blackhawks’ cultivar as a live plant. The #1 container holds a fully rooted specimen that should produce the signature burgundy-black foliage by mid-summer. The mature height reaches 5-7 feet with maroon flower stems in August and September, making it a true statement piece for any prairie-style garden.
Professional packaging is a standout feature — multiple reviews mention the careful wrapping and quick shipping, which is critical for live plants. The seller ships in seasonal condition, meaning the plant may arrive dormant (November through March) and trimmed back, but the root system is intact and ready for planting. Hardiness covers Zones 4-9, a wide range suitable for most of the continental US.
However, there are two significant concerns. First, shipping is restricted to many western states (AK, AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, HI), so verify eligibility before ordering. Second, a notable negative review reports receiving a mislabeled plant that was not Big Bluestem at all — a serious quality-control issue for a premium-priced cultivar. The risk of receiving an incorrect or dead plant is real, even if most customers report satisfaction.
What works
- True ‘Blackhawks’ genetics guaranteed, not generic green bluestem
- Excellent packaging protects live plant during transit
- Dramatic dark foliage color shift in full sun
What doesn’t
- Cannot ship to many western states
- Some customers received wrong plant species
- Plant arrives dormant in winter, appears dead at first
2. Outsidepride Big Bluestem Grass Seed (1 lb)
If you need to cover a large area — think erosion control on a slope or a native prairie restoration — this 1-pound bag of Outsidepride Big Bluestem seed is a cost-effective play. Each pound covers roughly 1,000 square feet at the recommended seeding rate, making it suitable for ambitious projects. The species itself (Andropogon gerardii) transitions from blue-green in summer to reddish-copper in fall, with purple flower spikes adding seasonal interest.
This is heirloom seed, so you are getting the straight species, not the ‘Blackhawks’ cultivar. That means you won’t get the deep burgundy-black coloration — the foliage stays green most of the season. However, for biodiversity, wildlife habitat, or soil stabilization, the straight species is perfectly adequate and much cheaper per square foot than live plants. The seed is hardy in Zones 4-9 and tolerates drought once established.
Customer feedback is mixed at best. Several reviewers report poor germination rates, especially in dry or hot conditions. One reviewer from Colorado got zero germination in pasture but some success in a raised bed with better soil. Another reviewer stated the bag contained mostly wheat. This isn’t an easy, foolproof seed — it benefits from proper soil preparation, consistent moisture during germination, and favorable weather. Beginners may find it frustrating.
What works
- Large volume ideal for bigger areas and erosion control
- Heirloom, non-GMO seed with native genetics
- Attractive fall color and wildlife value
What doesn’t
- Germination can be unreliable in poor or dry soil
- Not the ‘Blackhawks’ cultivar — foliage stays green
- Some bags reported contamination with wheat seed
3. Outsidepride Tall Native Grass Seed Mix (1 lb)
This blend takes a different approach: instead of a single species, it combines 25% each of Big Bluestem, Little Bluestem, Switchgrass, and Indian Grass. This creates a diverse prairie ecosystem that supports a wider range of pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects compared to a monoculture. The deep-rooted nature of these grasses also provides superior erosion control on slopes and exposed areas.
Seeding rate is just half a pound per 1,000 square feet, so this 1-pound bag covers approximately 2,000 square feet — double the coverage of the straight Big Bluestem seed. The blend is designed for full sun to partial shade and performs well in sandy or poor soil. It is also drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-maintenance landscapes.
Like the single-species seed, germination results vary significantly. Several reviews report that nothing grew, even after proper planting. Others note that the seed is very fine and mixed with a cotton-like binder that can be difficult to spread evenly. The first-year growth may be sparse, with grasses filling in during the second season. This is not an instant lawn — patience is required, and success is not guaranteed.
What works
- Diverse blend supports better wildlife habitat
- Deep roots provide excellent erosion control
- Low seeding rate gives good coverage per bag
What doesn’t
- Inconsistent germination reported by multiple buyers
- Fine seed mixed with binder is tricky to sow evenly
- May need two seasons to establish fully
4. Pampas Grass (2.5 Quart) — White Plumes
While this is not Big Bluestem at all, it is the most popular ornamental grass on this list by volume and is often cross-shopped with bluestem buyers. Pampas grass produces tall, arching green foliage and dramatic creamy white feathery plumes from mid-summer to fall. It grows fast — reaching up to 10 feet — and is excellent for privacy screens, boundary markers, or as a specimen plant.
The 2.5-quart pot is a generous size for a live grass, giving you a head start compared to smaller plugs. The plant ships direct from an Alabama grower and arrives with soil, not bare-root. Customers consistently praise the health and size of the plants upon arrival. It is drought-tolerant once established and thrives in Zones 7-11, making it a good choice for warmer climates.
Note this is not the same genus as Big Bluestem — it’s Cortaderia selloana. It requires warmer hardiness zones (7-11 vs 4-9 for bluestem) and has a more aggressive growth habit that some consider invasive in certain regions. It cannot ship to California, Hawaii, or Alaska. The white plumes are beautiful, but this grass does not offer the dark foliage color that Blackhawks is known for.
What works
- Large, healthy plants with good root systems
- Beautiful white plumes from summer through fall
- Fast-growing for privacy screening
What doesn’t
- Not related to Big Bluestem — different genus entirely
- Limited to warmer Zones 7-11
- Can become invasive if not managed
5. Pink Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana) — 1.5 Qt Pot
Another non-bluestem option, this pink pampas grass offers a unique color twist for gardeners wanting something beyond the typical white or green. The plumes emerge a soft pink and fade to tan as they age, adding a romantic, cottage-garden feel to the landscape. The plant grows 6-10 feet tall with a similar growth habit to white pampas.
Customers report receiving plants in excellent condition with moist soil and careful packaging. The 1.5-quart pot is smaller than the white pampas option, but still gives you a live, rooted plant ready for transplanting. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and is drought-tolerant once established. Hardiness is similar to other pampas — Zones 7-11.
The pink color is also not guaranteed to be vivid in all soil conditions; some growers find the pink is subtle rather than bold. Like all pampas grass, it has a reputation for being invasive in mild climates, and shipping restrictions apply to the same western states. If you want a true dark-foliage bluestem, this is not it — but for a pink plume accent, it works.
What works
- Unique pink plume color in midsummer
- Healthy, well-packaged live plants
- Drought-tolerant once established
What doesn’t
- Smaller 1.5-qt pot for the price
- Pink color can be subtle, not always vibrant
- Invasive potential in mild climates
Hardware & Specs Guide
Foliage Color & Development
The ‘Blackhawks’ cultivar is defined by its deep burgundy-black foliage, which develops in mid-to-late summer. Early-season growth is green. The intensity of the dark pigment depends on full sun exposure (6+ hours) and well-drained, dryish soil. Rich, wet soil or shade keeps the foliage greener and can cause the tall stems to flop. The maroon flower stems (not plumes like pampas) appear in August and September at 5-7 feet tall.
Hardiness & Shipping Logistics
Blackhawks Big Bluestem is hardy in USDA Zones 4-9. However, many live-plant sellers restrict shipping to western states due to agricultural regulations. Always check the seller’s ship-to list before ordering. Live plants shipped between November and March will be dormant and trimmed back — this is normal. The plant looks like a dead stick but has a healthy root system. Plant immediately upon arrival and water it in; new growth will emerge in spring.
FAQ
My Blackhawks plant arrived looking like dead sticks, is it still alive?
Why is my Blackhawks Big Bluestem still green in July?
Can I grow Blackhawks from Big Bluestem seed I buy online?
Will Blackhawks Big Bluestem spread and take over my garden?
How far apart should I space Blackhawks in a mass planting?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the blackhawks big bluestem grass winner is the Perennial Farm Marketplace ‘Blackhawks’ because it delivers the true cultivar genetics in a live #1 container — no guesswork, no off-type plants. If you want to cover a large area on a budget, the Outsidepride Big Bluestem Seed works as a straight-species alternative for erosion control or prairie restoration. And for a dramatic pink or white plume accent in warmer zones, the Pampas Grass options provide instant visual impact, though they are a completely different genus.