An upright variety of Panicum, the strong stems of 'Heavy Metal' never flop or lean, even in heavy rains. Its metallic blue leaves turn bright yellow in the fall. Beginning in late summer or early fall, delicate pink panicles dance 12-16" 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 versitile from a design standpoint; it is effective as a specimen, in masses, for screening, alongside ponds or streams, or even in large containers.
Height:
5.0-6.0 Feet
Spread:
2.0-3.0 Feet
Hardiness Zones:
4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color:
Pink shades
Foliage Color:
Blue shades
Sunlight:
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Water Requirements:
Low Water Needs Average Water Needs Consistent Water Needs
Soil Quality:
Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality
Soil Chemistry:
Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
Bloomtime:
Late Summer
Critter Resistant:
Deer Resistant
Seasonal Interest:
Fall Color
Growth Rate:
Medium
Garden Style:
Patio Container Eclectic Prairie Rain Garden
Other Features:
Border Plant Container Cut Flower Cut Foliage Drought Tolerant Easy To Grow Mass Planting Salt Tolerant Specimen Focal Point
Origin:
Native to North America
Panicum is 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.
Height:
5.0-6.0 Feet
Spread:
2.0-3.0 Feet
Hardiness Zones:
4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color:
Pink shades
Foliage Color:
Blue shades
Sunlight:
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Water Requirements:
Low Water Needs Average Water Needs Consistent Water Needs
Soil Quality:
Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality
Soil Chemistry:
Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
Bloomtime:
Late Summer
Critter Resistant:
Deer Resistant
Seasonal Interest:
Fall Color
Growth Rate:
Medium
Garden Style:
Patio Container Eclectic Prairie Rain Garden
Other Features:
Border Plant Container Cut Flower Cut Foliage Drought Tolerant Easy To Grow Mass Planting Salt Tolerant Specimen Focal Point
Origin:
Native to North America
Panicum is 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.
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