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Panicum virgatum Heavy Metal
Heavy Metal Switch Grass (Blue Switch Grass)
A focal point for the landscape with finely textured, metallic-blue blades and an erect growth habit. The foliage and flower will take on beige tones for the winter.
- » Forms a very tight upright vase-shaped clump of intense metallic-blue foliage
- » Grass is topped with airy pink cloud-like panicles in late summer
- » Leaves have a good yellow fall colour
- » The foliage and flower turn beige-brown for the winter
- » A good choice for the formal garden
- » Bloom Time: Late summer
- » Flower Height: 150 cm
- » Foliage Height: 120 cm
- » Grass Type: Warm Season
Exposure
| • | Full Sun |
Attracts Wildlife
| • | Attracts Birds |
Growth Rate
| • | Medium |
Attributes
| • | Cut Flower/Foliage |
| • | Deciduous |
| • | Dried Flower/Foliage |
| • | Drought Tolerant |
| • | Fall Color |
| • | Heat Tolerant |
| • | Long Blooming |
| • | Salt Tolerant |
| • | Low Maintenance |
| • | Juglan Tolerant |
Landscape uses
| • | Foundation planting |
| • | Naturalizing |
| • | Roadside planting |
| • | Rock garden |
| • | Screening (privacy) |
| • | Specimen |
Planting instructions
| • | Container Plants |
Additional Information about Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'
Warm Season Grasses: These grasses are much slower starting in the spring. They do not push new growth until temperatures warm in early to midsummer. They flower later in the summer or fall with most blooms remaining into the winter. Most warm season grasses tolerate heat, humidity and drought; some even thrive in these conditions.
Growing & Maintenance Tips for Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'
This grass grows in a wide variety of soil conditions from wet to average, and is drought tolerant, once established. Grows best in full sun and will flop over if grown in shade or overly rich soils. It should be pruned back to 10 cm above ground level in early spring.
