Panicum virgatum (Switch Grass)
Color Name: Prairie Sky
'Prairie Sky' really reaches for the sky, growing straight up, giving it shapely columnar appearance. Narrow clumps of stiffly upright, powdery blue leaf blades turn a golden yellow in fall. Finely-textured flower panicles open dark red in midsummer, forming an airy cloud above the foliage.
Switch grass gets its name from the peaceful swishing sound it makes when blowing in the wind. All parts of this grass are very sturdy, and will remain standing thru winter unless snows are heavy. This provides important cover for birds during the coldest days of winter. This grass is very versatile from a design standpoint; it is effective as a specimen, in masses, for screening, alongside ponds or streams, or even in large containers.
Growing Tips: Panicum is a native grass that is very easy to grow and
is a good grass for beginners. It will grow in any soil, from sand to clay, is drought tolerant once established, and even withstands periodic flooding. Grow this grass in full sun. It will tolerate light shade, but will flop over if the shade is too heavy. Panicum is wind and salt tolerant, making it a good choice for seaside gardens or along roads that are salted in winter.
Photo courtesy of Hoffman Nursery.
'Prairie Sky' really reaches for the sky, growing straight up, giving it shapely columnar appearance. Narrow clumps of stiffly upright, powdery blue leaf blades turn a golden yellow in fall. Finely-textured flower panicles open dark red in midsummer, forming an airy cloud above the foliage.
Switch grass gets its name from the peaceful swishing sound it makes when blowing in the wind. All parts of this grass are very sturdy, and will remain standing thru winter unless snows are heavy. This provides important cover for birds during the coldest days of winter. This grass is very versatile from a design standpoint; it is effective as a specimen, in masses, for screening, alongside ponds or streams, or even in large containers.
Growing Tips: Panicum is a native grass that is very easy to grow and
is a good grass for beginners. It will grow in any soil, from sand to clay, is drought tolerant once established, and even withstands periodic flooding. Grow this grass in full sun. It will tolerate light shade, but will flop over if the shade is too heavy. Panicum is wind and salt tolerant, making it a good choice for seaside gardens or along roads that are salted in winter.
Photo courtesy of Hoffman Nursery.
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Flower Color: Yellow Shades Foliage Color: Blue/Green Shades
Height: 4 to 6 Feet Spread: 2 to 3 Feet Hardy in Zone: 5, 4, 6 |
Blooms: Fall Late Summer
Foliage Season: All Season |
Exposure
Full Sun
Partial Shade
Soil Moisture Needs
Moderate
Attributes |
 Container  Dried Flower  Native Border Drought Tolerant Landscapes Mass Planting Specimen Plant
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Attracts
Songbirds
Critter Resistance
Deer
