Described as the ‘Karl Foerster’ of bluestem, this fabulous selection was discovered by Dave MacKenzie of Hortech who selected it for its tight, upright, architectural habit. It turned out to be a beautiful plant for its coloration as well. First richly green-blue, its stems, leaves and flowers turn rich shades of purple-blue as the season progresses. Karl’s Cousin® is easy to pair with other plants and doesn’t steal their space.
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Details
Hardiness Zone:
4
Blossom Color:
Tan to Brown
Growth Habit:
Clump Forming
Max Height:
4½'
Texture:
Medium Texture
Recommended Spacing:
1½' to 2'
We sell this plant in these containers:
#2 Pot
Special Characteristics
Cuttings
Seasonal Effect
Moderate Area
Salt Tolerant
Drought Tolerant
Large Area
Deer Resistant
Sandy Soil Tolerant
Hortech Original
Controls Erosion
Native Cultivar
Features
Hortech Original. Richly green-blue stems and leaves turn rich shades of purple-blue as the season progresses.
Landscape Value
Easy to pair with other plants and doesn't steal their space, selected for its tight, upright, architectural habit.
Care
Watering:
Karl's Cousin® Big Bluestem is very drought tolerant and typically only needs watering during the hottest days of summer.
Fertilizing:
Karl's Cousin® Big Bluestem needs little fertilizer, but benefits from a single springtime or fall topdressing (about 1 inch deep) of organic compost or well rotted leaves. Alternatively, a springtime application of a slow release fertilizer with a 3-1-2 ratio (such as a 15-5-10) can be applied at a rate of about 10 pounds per 1000 square feet.
Pruning:
Karl's Cousin® Big Bluestem should be enjoyed all winter long, then, during early April before it begins to grow again, it should be pruned or mowed back to ground level.
