Holy Smoke Big Bluestem

Holy Smoke is a patented selection of big bluestem with silvered leaves and red-purple tones that deepen through the growing season. Intrinsic Perennial Gardens introduced the cultivar in 2021; its tall, warm-season clumps bring color and structure to prairie-style beds, broad borders, and wildlife plantings. ## Form and Season The breeder reports plants reaching about 6–7 feet, with foliage highlights from late spring into autumn. Smoky purple and red appear against the silvery foliage, while the standing stems can continue to give a planting shape after flowering. Big bluestem is native across much of North America and its upright cover can shelter nesting birds. ## Site and Planting Give it open sun for the strongest growth and color. The species grows in varied soils, doing especially well in fertile, moisture-retentive loams; established plants can handle dry spells, though western sites may need more moisture. Allow room for a substantial clump and place it where its seasonal color can be seen. [Intrinsic Perennial Gardens](https://www.intrinsicintroductions.com/index.php/plants/grasses/item/andropogon-holy-smoke) lists PP 33,929; its page reports the cultivar’s color, height, introduction year, and zones 3–8. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/andropogon-gerardi/common-name/big-bluestem/) and the [USDA Forest Service](https://research.fs.usda.gov/feis/species-reviews/andger) provide species-level growing and wildlife context. ## Maintenance Leave the stems through winter for structure and cover, then cut them back near ground level before new growth begins. Water new plantings while they establish; established big bluestem is more drought resistant.