Andropogon gerardii

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Other common names

beard grass, shepherd's beard

Synonyms

Andropogon furcatus

Grass Like
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Densely tufted perennial grass, producing upright clumps of linear, blue-green leaves to 30cm long, purple-tinted in autumn. Strong, upright stems 2m tall bearing racemes about 10cm long of purple-red spikelets appear during autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Sand, Loam

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Sand Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H6
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Poaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Andropogon can be annual or perennial grasses, with linear leaves and simple or branched racemes of small flowers, often with conspicuous awns, in summer or autumn
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in light, sharply-drained, preferably sandy soil in full sun. Will not tolerate excessive winter wet

Propagation

Propagate by seed in a cold frame in spring, propagate by division from mid-spring to early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut back old stems to the ground in early spring before growth begins

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free