Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass
Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'
Pronunciation: PAN-ih-kum vir-GA-tum
SKU #06179
| 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. Brilliant foliage in fall. Attractive seed heads provide winter food for birds. Withstands seasonal flooding, yet drought tolerant when established. |
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| Light | Full sun, Partial sun |
| Watering | Water when top 2 inches of soil is dry. |
| Blooms | Late summer |
| Mature Size | Forms tight, upright clump; quickly reaches 3 ft. tall, 2 to 3 ft. wide. |
| Deciduous/Evergreen | Herbaceous |
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| 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. |
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| Flower Color | Pink |
| Foliage Color | Gray-green |
| Companion Plants | Coneflower (Echinacea); Potentilla (Potentilla); Aster (Aster); Barberry (Berberis); Tickseed (Coreopsis) |
| Care | 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. |
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This Plant's Growing Zones: 4-9
Your USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 6
Good to grow!
Buy Online
Your plant(s) will ship to the garden center you choose as soon as they meet our quality standards and the garden center schedules a shipment. This can be as little as 21 days, but may take longer depending on the plant growth and your garden center's scheduled shipments.
Please note, not all garden centers participate as delivery locations for online orders.
From $21.99
Buy Locally
This plant may be available in these stores:
Due to the seasonal nature of plants, availability at your local garden center is not guaranteed. Give them a call before visiting. Please note, not all garden centers participate as delivery locations for online orders.
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Basin Nursery & Garden Center 3150 N. Vernal Ave.
Vernal, Utah 84078
About Us
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.
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.