Switch Grass, Wand Panic Grass 'Northwind'

Panicumvirgatum

Family
Poaceae (poh-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Panicum (PAN-ih-kum)
Species
virgatum (vir-GA-tum)
Synonym
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Grown for foliage
Herbaceous
Height
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
Spacing
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
Danger
N/A
Bloom Color
Gold (yellow-orange)
Bloom Time
Late Summer/Early Fall
Mid Fall
Late Fall/Early Winter
Other Details
Category
Ornamental Grasses and Bamboo
Perennials
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Blue-Green
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
By dividing the rootball
Seed Collecting
N/A: plant does not set seed, flowers are sterile, or plants will not come true from seed
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Fort Collins, Colorado

Peoria, Illinois

Saint Charles, Illinois

Washington, Illinois

Commerce Township, Michigan

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Downingtown, Pennsylvania

Charleston, South Carolina

North Augusta, South Carolina

Knoxville, Tennessee

Urbanna, Virginia

show all

Featured Videos

Gardener's Notes:

4
positives
0
neutral
0
negative
Sort By:
Sort By:
D
D
Fort Collins, CO (Zone 5b) | November 2017 | positive

This is a great switchgrass! Planted in a narrow strip next to out patio where it’s upright statue is important. It has been quick to g...Read More

R
Downingtown, PA | October 2014 | positive

Grows fast to maturity. It has wider blades than many other cultivars and it holds an upright form, not falling over.

C
North Augusta, SC (Zone 8b) | January 2012 | positive

This is a beautiful panicum. It's much more upright and columnar than most. It is great for a narrow area or a small garden. It has be...Read More

B
Irving, TX (Zone 8a) | October 2010 | positive

One of the best panicum for planting in the landscape. It doesn't lodge through heavy rain, snow, or wind. Others, aside from heavy met...Read More

Featured
Moth
(Hypsoropha monilis)
Black-legged Kittiwake
(Rissa tridactyla)
Featured
Moth
(Hypsoropha monilis)
Black-legged Kittiwake
(Rissa tridactyla)