Illustrative photo.
Panicum virgatum 'HEAVY METAL' switch grass
size/type
mid-sized perennial,mid-sized perennial
usual height
1-1,5m
usual width
0,8-1m
leaves
deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
August-October
location
full sun
USDA zone (lowest)
5 (down to -29°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Panicum
Crab grass is a genus of about 470 species of annual and perennial grasses. They can be found in most tropical parts of the world and temperate zones of USA and Canada. In our Central European continental climate mostly switch grass is cultivated. It comes from S. Canada, USA, and Mexico. It is an ornamental grass of variable habit, mostly upright or even congested, sometimes more open and rarely with wide leaves. It flowers profusely in late summer.Description of the plant:
Heavy Metal is an upright variety of switch grass with pale green leaves with steel blue hues. In late summer appear fine, tan inflorescences which never overgrow the foliage level completely, and dance in the wind with the leaf tips. Young plants are columnar and the older and thicker the clump gets the more open it is at the top, looking like a perfect bouquet in a vase.
Growing conditions and care
Switch grass is quite soil adaptable - it can take dry or moist ground, but hates water-logging. It is best grown in sunny and warm areas, no fertilizing is necessary. It is recommended to tie up the leaves before winter or to provide dry mulch. Cut back in early spring after all frosts. Fully hardy to about -29°C (USDA zone 5).
Last update: 19-02-2019
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