Panicum virgatum 'Rubrum'
Switch grass, Wild red top thatch grass, Wobsqua grass, Black bent grass
- Height × spread
- 1.8m × 1m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a perennial North American prairie grasses which can reach around 2m (7ft) in height. This variety has green leaves with a red flush that turn a vivid red in the autumn. There are feathery flower fruiting panicles, a very pretty vertical form. These elegant grasses look good grown en masse where they provide a lovely screen, or as a specimen. The vertical red slashes of colour is striking against the honey gold of the remaining plant. This plant thrives in most soils, and it can tolerate a fair amount of drought, once established. Cut it back to ground level in late winter or early spring.
- Flower colour
- Brown, Pink
- Foliage colour
- Green, Red
- Autumn foliage
- Red-vivid
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Cube
- Height
- 1.8m
- Spread
- 1m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Wild flower meadow, Seaside garden, Prairie garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Architectural, Bird attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Spring - late · Planting
Divide when too large
When the plant is too large clumps may be divided into two or more pieces. Rhizomes can be cut, whilst small bulbs or offsets are detached. The new plants can be grown in a container or planted in the ground.
Winter
Winter - mid-late · Planting
Prune to the ground in winter
Cut foliage to the ground before new growth starts in spring.
Where stems are grown for ornamental value, they should be removed either before new growth starts in spring, or during winter when they begin to look ragged or untidy.
Found in
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Panicum virgatum
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