Oh, you
will be so
pleased.

Home | Products | FAQs | Where to Buy | Contact

Height:36"

Spread: 2-3'

Bloom Time: Late Summer

Sun to Part Sun

Hardiness Zone: 4-9

Cost: $8.00

A spectacular switch grass with sturdy, upright, blue-green stems and wine-red leaves. In the spring, the foliage is blue-green, but by early summer the leaves begin to turn a stunning shade of deep red. Most red switch grasses do not begin to turn color until late summer, so this grass is quite remarkable in that it changes color so early in the season.

Prized for its unmatched foliage color. Fast growing green leaves emerge with red tips in spring, darkening through summer, and turning burgundy in fall. Airy reddish-pink flowers in summer.

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 versitile from a design standpoint; it is effective as a specimen, in masses, for screening, alongside ponds or streams, or even in large containers.

This selection was hybridized by Gary Trucks of Amber Wave Gardens in Michigan.

 

Homeowner Growing & Maintenance 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..

 

 

Information and photos courtesy of Garden World Inc.