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.