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Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass
Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'
Pronunciation: PAN-ih-kum vir-GA-tum
SKU #06179
LIGHT:
Full sun, Partial sun
WATER:
Water when top 2 inches of soil is dry.
SIZE:
Forms tight, upright clump; quickly reaches 3 ft. tall, 2 to 3 ft. wide.
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| Description | Stiff, metallic blue blades distinguish this carefree native grass from others. Retains vertical form without flopping, topped by airy, pink-tinged panicles in summer. Foliage develops red tips as the panicles blooms. Attractive seed heads provide winter food for birds. Withstands seasonal flooding, yet drought tolerant when established. |
|---|---|
| Bloom Time | Late summer |
| Deciduous/Evergreen | Herbaceous |
| Special Features | Dramatic Foliage Color, Easy Care, Fall Color, Waterwise, Fast Growing, Benefits Birds |
| Problems/Solutions | Coastal Exposure, Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Very Wet Areas |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Growth Habit | Clumping |
| Design Ideas | This is the natural native grass of North America, perfectly adapted to wild gardens and un-mowed natural meadows. A very adaptable and effective erosion-control plant in windy areas. Looks good and provides nutritious habitat for birds and small animals around water holes and water gardens. Attaining its lovely wheat coloring in autumn, it looks beautiful against the season's bright reds. Plant as a single clump in beds and borders. |
| Flower Color | Pink |
| Foliage Color | Gray-green |
| Foliage Fall Color | Yellow |
| Companion Plants | Coneflower (Echinacea); Potentilla (Potentilla); Aster (Aster); Barberry (Berberis); Tickseed (Coreopsis) |
| Care Instructions | Easy to grow and adaptable to most soil types; prefers semi-moist to wet soils. Water deeply, regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Tolerates mild drought, once established. Cut old foliage back and apply a general purpose fertilizer just before new shoots appear in late winter to early spring. |
Details
| Description | Stiff, metallic blue blades distinguish this carefree native grass from others. Retains vertical form without flopping, topped by airy, pink-tinged panicles in summer. Foliage develops red tips as the panicles blooms. Attractive seed heads provide winter food for birds. Withstands seasonal flooding, yet drought tolerant when established. |
|---|---|
| Bloom Time | Late summer |
| Deciduous/Evergreen | Herbaceous |
| Special Features | Dramatic Foliage Color, Easy Care, Fall Color, Waterwise, Fast Growing, Benefits Birds |
| Problems/Solutions | Coastal Exposure, Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Very Wet Areas |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Growth Habit | Clumping |
Style
| Design Ideas | This is the natural native grass of North America, perfectly adapted to wild gardens and un-mowed natural meadows. A very adaptable and effective erosion-control plant in windy areas. Looks good and provides nutritious habitat for birds and small animals around water holes and water gardens. Attaining its lovely wheat coloring in autumn, it looks beautiful against the season's bright reds. Plant as a single clump in beds and borders. |
|---|---|
| Flower Color | Pink |
| Foliage Color | Gray-green |
| Foliage Fall Color | Yellow |
| Companion Plants | Coneflower (Echinacea); Potentilla (Potentilla); Aster (Aster); Barberry (Berberis); Tickseed (Coreopsis) |
Care
| Care Instructions | Easy to grow and adaptable to most soil types; prefers semi-moist to wet soils. Water deeply, regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Tolerates mild drought, once established. Cut old foliage back and apply a general purpose fertilizer just before new shoots appear in late winter to early spring. |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
Does Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass produce flowers?
Late summer
Is Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass evergreen or deciduous?
Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass is Herbaceous.
What are the special features of Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass?
Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass is Dramatic Foliage Color, Easy Care, Fall Color, Waterwise, Fast Growing, Benefits Birds.
Is Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass resistant to pests or animals?
Coastal Exposure, Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Very Wet Areas
How fast does Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass grow?
Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass has a Fast growth rate.
What is the growth habit of Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass?
Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass grows in an Clumping habit.
How can I use Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass in my garden design?
This is the natural native grass of North America, perfectly adapted to wild gardens and un-mowed natural meadows. A very adaptable and effective erosion-control plant in windy areas. Looks good and provides nutritious habitat for birds and small animals around water holes and water gardens. Attaining its lovely wheat coloring in autumn, it looks beautiful against the season's bright reds. Plant as a single clump in beds and borders.
What color are Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass flowers?
Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass produces Pink flowers.
What color is the foliage of Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass?
Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass has Gray-green foliage.
What plants grow well with Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass?
Good companion plants for Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass include: Coneflower (Echinacea); Potentilla (Potentilla); Aster (Aster); Barberry (Berberis); Tickseed (Coreopsis).
How do I care for Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass?
Easy to grow and adaptable to most soil types; prefers semi-moist to wet soils. Water deeply, regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Tolerates mild drought, once established. Cut old foliage back and apply a general purpose fertilizer just before new shoots appear in late winter to early spring.
Retailers Near You
No Retailers found within 100 miles of your zipcode
About Us
We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for 100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr. in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.
We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for nearly 100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr. in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.