Panicum virgatum Heavy Metal

Native switchgrass is easy to grow and great for beginners and is ideal for vertical accents and containers. Forming 4-5’ tall vase like clumps, ‘Heavy Metal' has strong vertical/upright stems that develop blue/green/silver while maintaining an airy slightly open appearance. As the season grows long this grass becomes a tall strong dominant feature in the garden, and in late summer light green panicles rise gently above the foliage, making for an elaborate show through fall and well into the winter.

Many gardeners focus solely on the visual elements of gardening. Color, texture and orientation all play a big role in visual garden design. Switchgrass has many stunning visual characteristics, but the peaceful swishing and rustling sounds it makes in a gentle breeze will also enhance the soundscape of your garden. Switchgrass is a very versatile plant. It can be used as a specimen plant to break up a garden and offer important vertical height and unique textures. It can be used to provide habitat for birds and other wildlife, especially en masse, it can be an effective plant for creating a screen or break, and makes an excellent plant for large containers. Planted in masse near a hardscape or pond, it provides a complete sensory experience year round.

General care for any tree or shrub is easy, but like any living thing will require your attention. Please educate yourself and follow these simple rules.

Panicum virgatum Heavy Metal

Switchgrass is a versatile and easy to grow native. It tolerates almost all conditions and can even survive in standing water for a period of time. Soil quality hardly matters and it is a great plant for getting a garden started in a tough area. Once established it is drought resistant. It requires full sun, and while tolerant of shade has a tendency to split and fall without ample sunlight. It is both wind and salt tolerant, which makes it a great choice for roadside plantings.