switchgrass Interesting Notes

WOW! Rick Darke first alerted us to this fabulous new grass and as always...he was right! This selection of our native panicum from Germany's Hans Simon makes a small and neat 3' tall clump. The foliage has a lovely, dark purple cast on its tips throughout the summer, but when fall hits, you won't even notice the nice airy plumes because of the dark, black-purple foliage! This is a standout in our garden that draws raves from everyone who visits! Plant Delights

The honeymoon with ornamental grasses is over. That doesn't mean most of us won't stay married to them.

As time goes on, our relationships have simply grown deeper, more mature, with a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. Those whose marriages remain intact appreciate the good times--ornamental grasses look great during drought--while we tolerate, and even grow stronger through, the bad--dividing those huge, overcrowded crowns.

Good marriages usually require some compromise, a bit of give-and-take on both sides. In the union between gardener and grass, gardeners sacrifice color and blooms for structure, texture, movement and drought tolerance (a pretty good trade, in my opinion).

Today, though, gardeners don't even have to give up color. Some of the newer selections or ornamental grasses deliver cool blues, glittering golds and sultry reds. I'm not sure what effect it will have on their marriages, but it does mean that gardeners can now have it all.

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. Home & Garden TV

Panicum virgatum is native to North American tall-grass prairies from the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean and was one of the most prominent prairie species. This grass was one of the important components of the tall-grass prairie that once covered the vast interior of the United States. A versatile grass, it tolerates a wide range of soil and climatic conditions. As the habitats of Panicum are taken over by humans, these grasses are found in wetter sites than before.

Panicum is valued as an ornamental for its erect form, showy flowers and interesting winter silhouette. Switch grass is a clumping, warm-season, noninvasive grass. Foliage color ranges from deep green to steely blue. Plant height varies from 4 to 7 feet with feathery panicles rising 1-2 feet above the foliage. Flowers are pinkish to reddish, maturing to silvery gray. Autumn color of the plants is various shades of yellow. Plants remain upright throughout the winter or until cut back.

Panicum is used effectively alone or in clumps. Taller cultivars are excellent background plants. Since this grass tolerates moist soils, it is a fine choice for water gardens or along stream banks and pond edges. Switch grass can be used as a groundcover to control erosion and for the transition areas between garden and wood areas. Foliage and flowers of Panicum are effective in flower arrangements, both fresh and dried.

Panicum prefers full sun, and moist, fertile soil; however, the plant will tolerate sand, heavy clay, dry slopes and boggy areas. Switch grass thrives along the coast by the ocean, tolerating salt spray and wind. ttp://www.greenbeam.com/features/plant041999.stm

Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' 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, rock gardens in masses or as an accent in the perennial borders.

Good Substitutions

Panicum 'Cape Breeze'

Panicum virgatum

Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'