Well, the question is moot now since Santa Rosa gardens doesn't have them this spring.

I really don't see enough difference between Red October, Dancing Wind and Rain Dance of the plants I've purchased to amount to much. If you ask me, they hype the photographs online, Red October was not that much redder than the others; I'd have a hard time telling them all apart if I didn't know what was planted where. The one that looks truly different is Blackhawks. Its not an attractive picture on the SRG website (in my opinion) so it didn't much appeal to me but I ordered one because they were out of R. O. --- but in real life, its stunning. I ended up ordering 6 more.

Thanks for your input, ranger. I think I'm going to order Blackhawks.

I am looking at possibly adding some Andropogon cultivars this spring. I have a slope that could benefit from stabilizing root structure! My main concern was that they would be too aggressive so I am glad I found this thread.

After reading this, I want to try Blackhawk. Has anyone grown Lord Snowden?

This thread is really out of date, but after reading it, i cant resist commenting that i feel so sad that Santa Rosa Gardens is no longer selling plants with the prolific variety it used to offer. They also had great prices whixh made ir possible ro buy plants to experiment with and see if they were right for your garden. They now have one Panicum in their inventory. just one! Gone are the approximately dozen rhey used to offer. I guess they were too good to last.

Most of the good nurseries are gone or going. We could make a long list of fine nurseries vanished in the last 20 years or so.

This is my fav andropogon cultivar so far. Much more red than others in my experience, especially in the fall although it does fade quickly in cold weather. It is not spreading by seed so far for me. Digging Dog Nursery seems to have it. https://www.diggingdog.com/plant/G-0539

Video from last fall

Since I posted 5 years ago, I moved to a smaller property with much different soil--very heavy clay. I planted a 'Blackhawks' last spring and the color is stunning. But so is your 'Red October'.

Where does one buy plants like this since the wonderful Santa Rosa Gardens is gone? id love to buy Red October and Blackhawk. And probably more.

Try googling the plant, then check every nursery unfamiliar to you that offers it with Garden Watch Dog. That's what I've done when I'm looking for an uncommon plant.