Interesting Notes

'Heavy Metal' is a stiffly upright switchgrass characterized by metallic lavender-blue foliage with a waxy white bloom; it turns bright yellow and displays dark burgundy seedheads in the fall. More... Floridata

This variety of Panicum is totally unique from the rest. The foliage color is a purple blue color, with a slight waxy white covering. Stiffly upright. Seed heads dark burgundy. hostas.com

My favorites of the lot are two varieties of switch grass (Panicum virgatum ).A native grass, and tough as nails, Panicum provides vertical accent to any border or mixed shrub bed. In a pinch, it can also serve as a seasonal hedge, offering nearly complete privacy behind dense upright clumps.

Cool blue is the color message telegraphed by 'Heavy Metal' (P. virgatum 'Heavy Metal'). Soft steel-blue foliage and a fine texture contradict this plant's sturdy constitution. Need something that will take the heat? Here's a good candidate.
At 4 feet tall, with solid clumps nearly that wide at the base, 'Heavy Metal' is a handsome and substantial presence in most gardens. Next to 'Dallas Blue' (P. virgatum 'Dallas Blue'), however, 'Heavy Metal' looks petite. HGTV

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Can be grown in a variety of soils, but prefers snady loam soils in full to partial sun. Drought tolerant once established, yet will tolerate wet, soggy soils for short periods. Spreads quickly or slowly by rhizomes depending on growing conditions. Propagate by seed or division in spring. Cut back in early spring to promote new flush of growth. Most effective as a specimen, in masses or for borders.