Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'
switch grass 'Northwind'
'Northwind' is a deciduous, perennial grass, to 1.5m tall, forming an upright clump of flat, linear, blue-green leaves turning yellow and orange in autumn. Large, airy sprays of tiny pink and green flowers are produced in late summer and persist into mid-autumn
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink Green | Blue Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Orange Yellow | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Panicum can be annual or perennial, evergreen or deciduous grasses, with flat, narrowly lanceolate leaves, with large finely branched panicles of small spikelets in late summer or autumn
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. See ornamental grasses cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by division in mid-spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Prairie planting
- City and courtyard gardens
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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