Panicum virgatum

General description

Easily grown in average, medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Tolerates wide range of soils, including dry ones, but prefers moist, sandy or clay soils. Will grow in part shade, but begins to lose its columnar form in too much shade, growing more openly and possibly falling over. Cut back clumps to the ground in late winter to early spring.

Noteworthy Characteristics

This ornamental switch grass cultivar is reportedly the tallest of the switch grasses, typically growing 5-7' tall. It typically forms a narrow, erect clump of light metallic blue foliage (to 6') which is topped in summer by finely-textured, golden flower panicles which hover over the foliage like an airy cloud. Panicles persist well into fall before eventually turning beige as the seeds mature. Seed plumes persist well into winter.