switchgrass Interesting Notes

North Creek is proud to bring Panicum 'Cape Breeze' to the market. P. ‘Cape Breeze’ was selected for its upright habit, compact size and early flowering by Paul Miskovsky in 2008 and sent to North Creek to trial. After much evaluation, we released it, realizing how 'Cape Breeze' is singular in its ability to maintain a tidy stature while also having the toughness of seaside Panicum. 'Cape Breeze' grows 24-30” tall with an equal spread. The fantastic foliage stays green until Halloween with the plumes emerging as light pink and maturing to a beautiful open seedhead that becomes a lovely, hazy screen when backlit with sunlight. Like many Panicum, 'Cape Breeze' provides great texture and movement in the landscape!

Panicum virgatum is one of the most common plants found in the central plains of North America. Growing from Quebec to Montana to Florida through to much of Central America in dry or moist prairies, bluffs, stream banks, and open woods. Switchgrass is native to North American tall-grass prairies and was one of the most prominent prairie species. It grows best in full sun but can tolerate part shade, especially with site-associated mycorrhizal fungi. The plant needs little maintenance after planting – it can be cut to 8” tall in late winter or early spring to tidy up appearance before next season’s display. Panicum virgatum rejuvenates with fire; as a prairie species, fire helps clear old growth and the plant’s deep root system protects it. For most upright growth, plant grass in lean soil; too rich of soil causes the plant to flop. It is mostly trouble-free but occasionally, has issues with rust in hot and humid summers. Crown rot or root rot may occur if the site is too moist and there is poor air exchange.

Switchgrass provides habitat and nesting material for many small vertebrates, is an essential host to the Delaware Skipper and for most banded skippers and satyrs, and also provides seed for birds. This plant thrives in tough locations while also maintaining high-ornamental value. The deep root systems are excellent for erosion control and its tolerance for moist sites allows the plant to be used along stream banks and pond edges to keep soil in place. We enjoy the ease of use, disease resistance, deer-resistance, and how it provides a perfect, lush backdrop to pocket prairies, herbaceous borders, seasonal privacy screens, and gravel gardens. 

Panicum 'Cape Breeze' Growing and Maintenance Tips

Tolerates drought or standing water. Grow in full sun average to moist soil with good drainage. Water well on planting and regularly until established. Drought tolerant.

Good Substitutions

Panicum virgatum

Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah'