PLANT JOURNAL
COMMON NAME Switchgrass
BOTANICAL NAME Panicum virgatum
ZONE 5 to 9 Native
SIZE 3 – 6’ HT, 2 – 3’ SP; Size can vary greatly depending upon the cultivar selected; strong upright habit.
FOLIAGE Medium green to metal blue. Tan straw in winter.
FLOWER Soft inflorescence mid-summer, white, tan or pink, floating above the foliage. ‘Heavy Metal’ is not quite as soft in appearance.
GROWING CONDITIONS Full Sun to Light Shade. Tolerant of Drought, Erosion, Dry Soil, Wet Soil, Black Walnut, Air Pollution. Frequently selected for Rain Gardens.
NOTES Deer Resistant. Rabbit Resistant.
Easy to grow.
Can be used as an effective screen for most of the year. Do allow foliage to remain all season, adding interest to the winter landscape.
Cut back to 12” HT in March.
FAVORITE CULTIVARS
Panicum v. ‘Cloud Nine’ – 6’ HT, fluffy white flowers
Panicum v. ‘Heavy Metal’ – 4-5’ HT, metallic blue foliage
Panicum v. ‘Shenandoah’ – 3’ HT, foliage begins to turn red in July, burgundy in fall, flowers have pink tinge
