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Ladybug Red Big Bluestem Grass (Andropogon gerardii Ladybug Red) is notable for its bright red fall foliage. A western, more compact form of our native Big Bluestem.
To determine if a plant is sufficiently cold hardy, the USDA created numbered zones indicating winter low
temperatures; the lower the zone number the colder the winter.
If the coldest winter temperature expected in your area is -15°F (zone 5) then any plants rated zones 3-5 will
survive the winter temperatures in your area.
If you live in very warm winter areas (zones 9-11) plants with zones 3-4 ratings are not recommended. The lack
of freezing winter temperatures do not provide a time for winter dormancy (rest).
Ladybug Red Big Bluestem Grass (Andropogon gerardii ‘Ladybug Red’) is a western form
of our native tall grass prairie species, Big Bluestem grass. It has outstanding red fall foliage and is
a more compact grower than plants selected from Mid-Western locations. It is
also better adapted to the alkaline, mineral soils found west of the
Mississippi River. Founder and Chief
Horticulturist David Salman explained the origin of its name, “When I dug the
original plant along the highway near La Veta, CO I soon discovered that
there was a nest of ladybugs living in the crown of the plant; and out they
came in large numbers.” A nice
companion grass for other prairie species like Ratibida, Echinacea, Salvia
azurea and Liatris.
More Information
Associated SKUs
HC017300 HC017262 (Plant - 5" Deep Pot) - Out of stock. HC017287 (Tray of 12) - Out of stock.
Common Name
Ladybug Red Big Bluestem Grass
Botanical Name
Andropogon gerardii Ladybug Red
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Light Requirements
Full Sun
Mature Height
48" tall
Mature Spread
18-22" wide
Bloom Time
Late summer to early fall
Ships As
Planting Kit
Soil Type
Average Soil, Clay Soil, Compost Enriched Garden Loam Soil
View more Planting Guides, or download our complete Planting Guide for tips on caring for your plants when you receive your order, as well as planting instructions for Perennials, Spring-Planted Bulbs, Fall-Planted Bulbs, Cacti & Succulents, Xeric Plants and more.
Shipping
No longer available this season.
As soon as your order is placed you will receive a confirmation email. You will receive a second email the day your order ships telling you how it has been sent. Some perennials are shipped as potted plants, some as perennial roots packed in peat. The ‘Plant Information’ section describes how that item will ship. All perennials and spring-planted bulbs are packaged to withstand shipping and are fully-guaranteed. Please open upon receipt and follow the instructions included.
Perennials and spring-planted bulbs are shipped at the proper planting time for your hardiness zone. Perennial and spring-planted bulb orders will arrive separately from seeds. If your order requires more than one shipment and all items are shipping to the same address, there is no additional shipping charge. See our shipping information page for approximate ship dates and more detailed information. If you have any questions, please call Customer Service toll-free at (800) 925-9387 or contact us by email.
Shipping Rates
Our shipping rates are calculated based on our actual average shipping costs. We do not seek to profit from shipping fees, so rest assured that our shipping rates reflect an average of what it costs to get our guaranteed products safely to your door.
US Shipping Charges
Merchandise Total
Shipping Charges
Up to $19.99
$8.99
$20 to $34.99
$10.99
$35 to $49.99
$12.99
$50 to $74.99
$14.99
$75 to $99.99
$16.99
$100 and Over
$18.99
Canadian Shipping Charges
Merchandise
Shipping Charges
Up to $24.99
$14.95
$25 to $49.99
$19.95
$50 to $74.99
$24.95
$75 to $99.99
$29.95
$100 and Over
$39.95
We charge one low flat rate for shipping our products even if your order requires multiple shipments. If you have any questions, please call us at (800) 925-9387.
 is notable for its bright red fall foliage. A western, more compact form of our native Big Bluestem.)
