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Indiangrass Indian Steel

$19.99

Indian Grass Indian Steel (Sorghastrum nutans) features steel-blue foliage and golden plumes, with year-round interest. Drought-tolerant, deer resistant, and wildlife-friendly.

Product Category
Plant Type
Ornamental Grasses
SKU
N/A

Indiangrass Indian Steel

Sorghastrum nutans ‘Indian Steel’, Indian Grass ‘Indian Steel’

Indiangrass Indian Steel, is a striking ornamental grass prized for its unique steel-blue foliage and upright growth. Its narrow, arching leaves provide a cool-toned contrast in the garden, standing out beautifully among warm-colored perennials and native grasses. By late summer, tall golden-bronze flower plumes emerge, adding texture and vertical interest that lasts well into fall and winter.

This grass is a standout choice for naturalistic plantings, native gardens, or as an accent in mixed borders. Its steel-blue foliage shifts to warm tones of gold and bronze in autumn, offering multi-season appeal. Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established, Indian Steel is also highly valued for attracting birds and pollinators while resisting deer and other browsing animals.

Durable and adaptable, Indiangrass Indian Steel thrives in a wide range of soils, including poor and dry conditions. Its strong stems and long-lasting plumes make it equally useful in fresh or dried arrangements, while its bold color and form add depth and texture to sustainable landscapes.

Care Instructions:

Planting: Plant in well-drained soil; tolerates clay, sandy, or rocky soils.
Sun Exposure: Full sun is essential for the strongest color and best flowering.
Watering: Water regularly until established; afterward, it performs well in dry conditions and requires little supplemental water.
Fertilizing: Apply a light feeding of balanced fertilizer in early spring if desired, but avoid overfertilizing to maintain upright form.
Pruning: Cut back to 3–4 inches above ground in late winter or early spring before new shoots emerge.
Spacing: Allow 24–36 inches between plants for mature clump development.

Plant NameIndiangrass Indian Steel
Botanical / Alternative Name(s)Sorghastrum nutans ‘Indian Steel’, Indian Grass ‘Indian Steel’
Plant TypeOrnamental Grasses
NativeYes
Hardiness Zone(s)4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Season of InterestSummer, Fall, Winter
Plant Height3' – 6' (ft)
Plant Spread2' - 3' (ft)
Spacing24" – 36" (in)
Water NeedsLow, Average
Maintenance LevelLow
Soil TypeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil PHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil DrainageWell-Drained
Bloom ColorBronze
Foliage ColorBlue, Bronze, Green, Copper
CharacteristicsGreat Foliage, Plant of Merit, Showy
TolerancesClay Soil, Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Heat, Rocky Soil
AttractsBirds, Pollinators
Garden UsesBanks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Dried Arrangements, Mass Planting, Specimen

Square Planting Pattern

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Triangular Planting Pattern

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Note: Actual plants needed may vary slightly.