Panicum Virgatum Heavy Metal Switch Grass

Panicum Virgatum Heavy Metal is an AGM-winning deciduous grass with good summer to autumn colour.

Switch Grass Heavy Metal (common name) emerges in spring with fresh new growth. Its ornamental stiff-clumped foliage is attractive and unusual in shades of metallic blue-grey. In summer through to autumn purple-green flower spikes appear contrasting well with the steely foliage. In late autumn its fountain-like leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow and begin to die down after the frosts. Switch Grass Heavy Metal lies dormant for the winter and emerges again in early spring.

Height And Spread of Panicum Virgatum Heavy Metal
This deciduous ornamental grass can reach heights of one metre wide by one metre tall. The foliage and flower spikes are slender and airy enough to let through light making them suitable for mixed planting.

How Hardy Is Panicum Virgatum Heavy Metal
Heavy Metal is a hardy perennial grass that can withstand sub-zero winters in well-drained soil. Its drought resistant once established and is rarely bothered by pests.

How To Use Panicum Virgatum Heavy Metal
Switch Grass Heavy Metal brings movement, colour and vertical interest to mixed borders, gravel gardens and prairie planting. It’s an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens too as its thick foliage provides cover and pollinators enjoy the nectar-rich flower spikes.
In a cottage garden, its steely foliage provides an interesting backdrop to annual flower displays and the architectural blooms add shape and colour in late summer. If picked, the foliage and flowers last weeks in cut flower displays.
You can grow switch grass in a well-watered container, but ensure that it doesn’t dry out as this will damage the plant.

How To Care For Panicum Virgatum Heavy Metal
Once planted Switch Grass Heavy Metal needs little care. It prefers a sunny spot in moist but well-drained soil of any pH. There’s no need to prune this grass as it dies down every winter, but you can lift and divide the plant if its spread becomes too large. Divide in mid-spring if necessary. Water well until established and place a thick layer of mulch around the roots when new foliage appears to provide nutrients over the growing season.