Plant Type

Perennial, Grass

 

Height Range

3-6', 6-12'

 

Flower Color

Blue, Orange, Pink, Red

 

Flower Season

Summer, Fall

 

Leaf Color

Green, Blue Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Formal, Meadow, Ranch

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Showy Flowers, Specimen

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio, Raised Planter, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Hedge, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Butterflies

Switch grass is a north American native and an original component of the Midwestern Plains. It is a warm-season (it goes dormant during the winter) clumping grass with an upright form, interesting flowers, showy fall color, and a great winter presence. It grows from 4 to 7 feet tall and about half as wide, though in time may spread wider. Airy, delicate flowers appear in mid-summer, hanging along an arching, wiry stem, and are pink to red to orange. Foliage turns yellow to orange in the fall, and the flowers turn a silvery white. there are now many cultivars to choice from, and they all make excellent and low-care additions to perennial or shrub borders, or in more naturally styled settings.

Panicums are Plains' natives, and they require full sun and well drained soils. Will grow in clay. Over-fertilizing or over-watering will cause the grass to flop. Cut back in late winter, see Guides. No serious pest or disease problems. Though clumping, it may slowly spread by rhizomes, but is not considered invasive. Deer and rabbit resistant.