Panicum virgatum

RHS Plant Profile
switch grass

Other common names

twiggy panic grass

Grass Like

A rhizomatous, deciduous grass forming clumps of upright, green to purple-blue, narrow, pointed leaves up to 50cm long and 15mm wide that turn yellow in autumn. From late summer into autumn, erect to arching flower stems bear airy panicles of tiny, nodding purple-brown flowers

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Poaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. See ornamental grasses cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Prairie planting
  • 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