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Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass
Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'
Pronunciation: PAN-ih-kum vir-GA-tum
SKU #06179
Stiff, metallic blue blades distinguish this carefree native grass from others. Retains vertical form without flopping, topped by airy, pink-tinged panicles in summer. Foliage develops red tips as the panicles blooms. Attractive seed heads provide winter food for birds. Withstands seasonal flooding, yet drought tolerant when established.
LIGHT: Full sun, Partial sun
WATER: Water when top 2 inches of soil is dry.
SIZE: Forms tight, upright clump; quickly reaches 3 ft. tall, 2 to 3 ft. wide.
Retailers Near You
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Be Inspired: How to Use this Plant
| Bloom Time | Late summer |
|---|---|
| Deciduous/Evergreen | Herbaceous |
| Special Features | Dramatic Foliage Color, Easy Care, Fall Color, Waterwise, Fast Growing, Benefits Birds |
| Problems/Solutions | Coastal Exposure, Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Very Wet Areas |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Growth Habit | Clumping |
| Design Ideas | This is the natural native grass of North America, perfectly adapted to wild gardens and un-mowed natural meadows. A very adaptable and effective erosion-control plant in windy areas. Looks good and provides nutritious habitat for birds and small animals around water holes and water gardens. Attaining its lovely wheat coloring in autumn, it looks beautiful against the season's bright reds. Plant as a single clump in beds and borders. |
| Flower Color | Pink |
| Foliage Color | Gray-green |
| Companion Plants | Coneflower (Echinacea); Potentilla (Potentilla); Aster (Aster); Barberry (Berberis); Tickseed (Coreopsis) |
| Care Instructions | Easy to grow and adaptable to most soil types; prefers semi-moist to wet soils. Water deeply, regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Tolerates mild drought, once established. Cut old foliage back and apply a general purpose fertilizer just before new shoots appear in late winter to early spring. |
Details
| Bloom Time | Late summer |
|---|---|
| Deciduous/Evergreen | Herbaceous |
| Special Features | Dramatic Foliage Color, Easy Care, Fall Color, Waterwise, Fast Growing, Benefits Birds |
| Problems/Solutions | Coastal Exposure, Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Very Wet Areas |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Growth Habit | Clumping |
Style
| Design Ideas | This is the natural native grass of North America, perfectly adapted to wild gardens and un-mowed natural meadows. A very adaptable and effective erosion-control plant in windy areas. Looks good and provides nutritious habitat for birds and small animals around water holes and water gardens. Attaining its lovely wheat coloring in autumn, it looks beautiful against the season's bright reds. Plant as a single clump in beds and borders. |
|---|---|
| Flower Color | Pink |
| Foliage Color | Gray-green |
| Companion Plants | Coneflower (Echinacea); Potentilla (Potentilla); Aster (Aster); Barberry (Berberis); Tickseed (Coreopsis) |
Care
| Care Instructions | Easy to grow and adaptable to most soil types; prefers semi-moist to wet soils. Water deeply, regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Tolerates mild drought, once established. Cut old foliage back and apply a general purpose fertilizer just before new shoots appear in late winter to early spring. |
|---|
Retailers Near You
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Retailers Near You
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About Us
We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for nearly
100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr.
in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.
We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for nearly 100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr. in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.