Panicum virgatum “Northwind”
$27.99
A narrow, strongly upright switchgrass with blue-green foliage, airy late-summer panicles, and yellow to orange fall color.
- Description
- Additional information
Description
Panicum virgatum Northwind forms a dense, erect clump of flat blue-green leaves topped by open sprays of tiny pink and green flowers from late summer into autumn. Its rigid vertical stems provide dependable structure, while the foliage turns yellow to orange and then tan for winter interest. Grow it in full sun and moderately fertile, well-drained soil; it tolerates drought, occasional wet soil, and a wide range of soil types once established.
Additional information
| Height | 100 cm – 150 cm |
|---|---|
| Spread | 50 cm – 100 cm |
| Flowering months | August, September, October, November |
| Synonyms | Panicum sumatrense Northwind, Panicum virgatum 'Northwind', Panicum virgatum "Northwind" |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Propagation | Propagate by division in mid-spring. |
| Pests | Japanese beetles, grasshoppers, armyworms, switchgrass moths, thrips, spider mites |
| Diseases | Rust, crown rot, root rot |
| Pruning | Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring. |
| Hazardous information | North Carolina Extension reports a high flammability fire-risk rating for this cultivar. |
| Hazardous | yes |
| Variegated | unknown |
| Watering instructions | Water regularly during establishment; once established, the plant tolerates drought and occasional wet soil, but keep the site well drained. |
| Sunlight instructions | Plant in full sun for the strongest upright form; light shade is tolerated, but too much shade can cause open growth and flopping. |
| Color flower autumn | Green, Pink |
| Color flower summer | Green, Pink |
| Aspect | East, South, West |
| Foliage | Deciduous |
| Habit | Columnar upright, Clump-former, Tufted |
| Moisture | Moist but Well Drained, Well Drained Soil |
| Ph | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Position | Full sun, Partial shade |
| Shape | Column, Upright |
| Suggest planting location | Flowering borders, Patio and container use, Wildlife friendly gardens, Prairie style planting, Rain Garden |
| Type | Grass |
| Use for | Structural, Bird-Friendly, Screen |
| Years to max height | 2 |
| Drought resistance | yes |
| Soil | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Local names | Northwind Switchgrass, Northwind Switch Grass, Rutenhirse 'Northwind' |
| Blomidon Item No | C472, MO23039382, Z1PANVINO0001G |