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Panicum virgatum 'Hänse Herms'

switch grass 'Hänse Herms'

Hänse Herms' is a clump-forming, upright, perennial grass to 1.2m tall. Dense, green leaves turn a deep burgundy-red in the autumn and airy heads of tiny purple flowers are held above the foliage from summer into autumn

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple Green Red
Autumn Purple Red
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H5
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

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

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Prairie planting
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • 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

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