Panicum virgatum Purple Breeze ('Joz276'PBR)

RHS Plant Profile
switch grass [Purple Breeze]

Synonyms

Panicum virgatum 'Joz276'PBR

Grass Like Herbaceous Perennial

A deciduous perennial grass with flat and linear leaves that are mid-green when young, maturing to purple from the tips through the length of the leaves. It also produces airy purple panicles from late summer to early autumn, followed by purple seed heads

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 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 East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
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
Clump forming, Columnar upright
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
Trade

How to Grow

Cultivation

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

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Prairie planting
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut back clumps to the ground in late winter or early spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free