Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass

Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'

Pronunciation: PAN-ih-kum vir-GA-tum
SKU #06179
4-9

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OVERVIEW
Description 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
Watering Water when top 2 inches of soil is dry.
Blooms Late summer
Mature Size Forms tight, upright clump; quickly reaches 3 ft. tall, 2 to 3 ft. wide.
DETAILS
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 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.

This Plant's Growing Zones: 4-9

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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.