Go Back Northwind Switch Grass

Posted: May 7, 2019 at 4:47 PM
Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'
Deer Resistant IconRock Garden Icon

Plant Type: Grasses

‘Northwind’ is a tall ornamental switchgrass cultivar which features one of the best vertical forms of any of the many panicum cultivars currently available in commerce. Olive-green to bluish-green foliage forms a compact, narrow, erect, 4-5′ tall clump of foliage which is topped in late summer by finely-textured, yellow flower panicles which hover over the foliage like an airy cloud. Flower panicles typically bring total plant height to 6′. Panicles turn beige as the seeds mature in fall with the seed plumes persisting well into winter. Foliage turns yellow-beige in fall and provides good winter interest.

Currently not available for online purchase.

Growing & Maintenance Tips:

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.

Flower Color

Yellow

Foliage Color

Gray-Green

Plant Spread

2-3'

Good Companions

Other grasses and full-sun perennials

Plant Height

4-6'

Scape Height

NA

Hardness Zone

4-9

Soil Moisture

Average and Consistent water needs

Characteristics & Attributes

Attributes

Strong-vertical grass

Bloom Time

Late Summer

Critter Resistance

Rabbits/deer

Exposure

Part-Full Sun

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasonal Interests

Early Fall