2026 Perennial Plant of the Year Announced

Raleigh, NC — The Perennial Plant Association proudly announces the 2026 Perennial Plant of the Year®, Andropogon gerardii ‘Blackhawks’. Selected by PPA members, this exceptional cultivar, commonly known as Blackhawks big bluestem, stands out for its striking appearance and resilience once established.

More compact than other big bluestem varieties, Blackhawks reaches a height of five feet and a width of two feet. Its near-black coloration and strong, upright growth habit create a dramatic presence in fall gardens. The dark green leaves emerge in spring, gradually transitioning to reddish-purple tips as summer progresses. By August, the characteristic three-parted “turkeyfoot” inflorescences appear, and by September, the entire plant takes on a deep purple hue.

Richard Hawke, Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Director of Ornamental Plant Research at the Chicago Botanic Garden, states that Andropogon gerardii ‘Blackhawks’ is, “Notable for its compact size and sublimely dark burgundy leaves, stems, and flowers. It quickly became a standout in the Chicago Botanic Garden’s ornamental grass trial. It is the perfect choice to add color, texture, and movement to smaller gardens or landscapes where one of its bigger relatives would overwhelm.”

Beyond its ornamental appeal, Blackhawks big bluestem provides vital habitat. Its dense foliage and sturdy stems offer nesting sites and cover for birds, while also serving as a larval food source for several skipper butterfly species. Though it forms a single clump, it may reseed in the garden.

This cultivar is remarkably low-maintenance, with no major pest or disease concerns. The only required care is cutting it back to the ground in late winter, like other ornamental grasses. Once established, a process that may take a few years, Blackhawks becomes very drought tolerant.

Bill Hall, Head Grower at Hoffman Nursery, states that, “This upright growing big Bluestem is slow to awaken from dormancy but is worth the wait. The dark purple foliage – which is near black – emerges clean and colors up quickly in the growing season. Like most Andropogon grasses, ‘Blackhawks’ seems to be relatively free of foliar disease”.

For a stunning fall display, consider pairing Blackhawks big bluestem with companion plants like black- eyed Susans (Rudbeckia spp.), tall stonecrops (Hylotelephium spp.), and asters (Symphyotrichum spp.). Their contrasting textures and movements beautifully complement the bold, vertical spikes of Blackhawks.

The Perennial Plant of the Year® program began in 1990 to showcase a standout perennial among its competitors! Perennials chosen for this honor are suitable for a wide range of growing climates, require low maintenance, have multiple-season interest, and are relatively pest/disease-free. The Perennial Plant Association Board of Directors reviews the nominated perennials and selects three or four perennials to be placed on a voting ballot. Perennial Plant Association members vote for the Perennial Plant of the Year® and nominate additional plants for the following year’s ballot. In addition, Perennial Plant Association members have access to several marketing resources to assist with promoting the Perennial Plant of the Year®. You can visit the Perennial Plant of the Year® website for more information at https://perennialplantoftheyear.com.

The Perennial Plant Association is a trade association composed of growers, retailers, landscape designers and contractors, educators, and others that are professionally involved in the herbaceous perennial industry. With a mission to connect professionals, provide education and promote perennial plants, the association has served the horticultural industry since 1984. For more information visit www.perennialplant.org.