Panicum virgatum 'Rehbraun'

RHS Plant Profile
switch grass 'Rehbraun'
Grass Like

A deciduous, clump-forming, perennial grass to 1.8m tall, with flat, linear, mid-green leaves developing rich, reddish-purple shades in autumn. Airy sprays of tiny, purple-green flowers are produced from mid-summer to early autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 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
Clump forming
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 soi in full sun. See ornamental grasses cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by division in mid-spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Remove dead foliage and old, flowered stems in spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free