Melinda Myers

Switchgrass

Botanical Name

Panicum virgatum

Min Zone

5

Max Zone

9

Height

3 to 8 feet

Width

2 to 3 feet

Flowers

Mid to late summer: silver, dark red to purple; airy panicles

Fall Color

Tan to gold

Light

Full sun

Soil

Moist, tolerates dry

Planting & Care

• Open and floppy in shade
• Tolerates wind and salt spray
• Cut back in late winter before new growth begins

Problems

None serious

Varieties

• Shenandoah - 36 inches, bright red streaked foliage, red flowers in late summer
• Northwind - 4 to 6 feet, upright, bluish-green foliage, fine winter interest