Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’ (Switch Grass)

One of the best vertical varieties of switch grasses, Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’ is a deciduous, perennial grass of architectural distinction. It forms a dense, strongly upright, narrow clump of olive-green to blue-green foliage, which gets topped in late summer with a profusion of finely-textured, golden flower spikelets which hover over the foliage like an airy cloud. Both flowers and foliage turn beige in fall and usually remain attractive in the garden all winter.

Like many North American prairie grasses, switch grass is a long-lived, warm-season grower. Quite sturdy, even when dry or dormant, it stands through winter (unless your area enjoys heavy snowfalls), providing essential bird cover.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Typically grows in narrow clumps, up to 4-6 ft tall (120-180 cm) and 24-30 in. wide (60-75 cm). It will slowly spread by underground rhizomes. May self-seed but may not come true from seed.
• Welcomed in any garden style, it is versatile and can be used in groups or mass plantings. It is ideal in borders, providing texture, color, and contrast. Excellent choice for prairies, wild gardens, along ponds and streams, or naturalized areas.
• Performs best in full sun in average, medium to wet, well-drained soils. Tolerates part shade but will lose its upright form in too much shade and may fall over. Tolerates a wide range of soils, including dry soils, but prefers moist, sandy, or clay soils. Drought and wet soil tolerant!
• No serious insect or disease problems. Deer resistant.
• Requires little maintenance except cutting back the old foliage to the ground in late winter to early spring.
• Propagate by division in spring
• Panicum virgatum species is native to North America.