Photo: Michelle W. （鍾偉瑋）CC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Bushy Bluestem Plant Care
Andropogon glomeratus Britton, Sterns & Poggenb.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This grass species is characterized by its unique bushy appearance, with dense clusters of purplish-brown flower spikes atop slender stems. Originating from North and South America, Andropogon glomeratus is highly sought after by plant collectors for its ornamental value in landscaping and its ability to attract pollinators like butterflies and bees.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
60–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Bushy Bluestem?
Water Bushy Bluestem every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Bushy Bluestem Native To?
What Is the Bushy Bluestem?
Bushy Bluestem (Andropogon glomeratus) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Andropogon genus. Bushy Bluestem is native to the Americas. Bushy Bluestem is also known as Broom Sedge.
Bushy Bluestem displays a clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Bushy Bluestem produces tight, spike-like inflorescences.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Bushy Bluestem?
Andropogon glomeratus requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Bushy Bluestem Need?
Bushy Bluestem thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Bushy Bluestem Prefer?
Andropogon glomeratus grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Bushy Bluestem prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Bushy Bluestem?
Well-draining sandy loam with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Bushy Bluestem to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Bushy Bluestem?
Feed Bushy Bluestem every 8 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Bushy Bluestem?
Divide and repot clumps every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Bushy Bluestem?
Bushy Bluestem can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to gamba grass plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Bushy Bluestem Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Bushy Bluestem, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Bushy Bluestem?
Bushy Bluestem is susceptible to grasshoppers, aphids, cutworms. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Bushy Bluestem Need?
Bushy Bluestem grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Bushy Bluestem is native to the Americas.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 5a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Bushy Bluestem is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Andropogon genus — compare its care with other Andropogon species on PlantoScan.
Andropogon is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Bushy Bluestem thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Andropogon Species
Other Andropogon species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Andropogon glomeratus Britton, Sterns & Poggenb., family Poaceae (first published in Prelim. Cat. : 67 (1888)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Bushy Bluestem, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Michelle W. （鍾偉瑋）, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 5a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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