Dancing Wind Big Bluestem Grass

Dancing Wind is a patented big bluestem selected for red-tipped summer foliage and a strong scarlet autumn display. The upright clumps carry red flower spikes from August into fall, making this cultivar useful where a tall, seasonal accent is wanted. ## Landscape Use and Seasonal Interest The plant patent reports established garden plants about 4½–5½ feet tall and 2–3 feet wide; Intrinsic Introductions lists six feet tall and about two feet wide. Green-yellow foliage develops red tips and joints in late summer, then turns mostly red and scarlet after frost. Use Dancing Wind in sunny borders, meadow-style beds, repeated groups, or as a vertical accent. ## Siting and Soil Full sun gives the best color. The breeder recommends any soil except wet conditions, and the species generally prefers well-drained soil with moderate moisture. Allow the clump to stand through winter if its stems and seed heads suit the design; avoid giving it excessive water or fertilizer that could weaken the stems. ## Maintenance Cut old stems back before new growth begins. The cultivar patent describes a clumping, deciduous grass and reports the dimensions from an established three-year-old plant grown in full sun with irrigation, so site and age affect final size. [Intrinsic Introductions](https://intrinsicintroductions.com/index.php/plants/grasses/item/andropogon-dancing-wind) · [US plant patent PP26,892](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP26892P2/en) · [NCSU Extension species guidance](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/andropogon-gerardi/common-name/big-bluestem/)