Panicum virgatum
Switch grass, Wild red top thatch grass, Wobsqua grass, Black bent grass
- Height × spread
- 1m – 2m × 0.5m – 1m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
The ornamental switch grasses are very desirable, not only for their upright, though soft looking growth habit, but in the range of colours that they afford. They develop some interesting colours of red and burgundy in autumn. Their soft, delicate flowers make a gentle fuzz above the foliage. There are a number of blue forms, the most popular perhaps being 'Heavy Metal' which is glaucous blue with pinky grey seed heads. These range in height from 2 metres or more to forms that stand below a metre in height.
- Flower colour
- Beige, Brown, Pink, Purple, Red
- Foliage colour
- Blue, Green, Red
- Fruit colour
- Beige, Brown, Gold
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Column, Cube, Fan
- Height
- 1m – 2m
- Spread
- 0.5m – 1m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- 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
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Ground cover, 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
More Panicum
Panicum
Panic grass, Crab grass, Millet
Panicum virgatum
Switch grass, Wild red top, Thatch grass, Wobsqua grass, Black bent grass
Panicum virgatum 'Dallas Blues'
Blue switch grass
Panicum virgatum 'Hanse Herms'
Switch grass, Wild red top thatch grass, Wobsqua grass, Black bent grass
Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'
Switch grass, Wild red top thatch grass, Wobsqua grass, Black bent grass
Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'
Switch grass, Wild red top thatch grass, Wobsqua grass, Black bent grass
Panicum virgatum 'Oxblood Autumn'
Switch grass
Panicum virgatum 'Prairie Sky'
Switch grass, Wild red top thatch grass, Wobsqua grass, Black bent grass