Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'

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Heavy Metal Switch Grass

 
Plant photo of: Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'
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Information by: J.J. Neilson Arboretum        Photographer:

 

Description

This perennial grass will grow 2'-4' tall and 2'-4' wide. It has narrow, blue gray leaves with slender, light flowers that bloom in midsummer. Tall grasses are highly combustible.

 

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass

 

Height Range

1-3', 3-6'

 

Flower Color

Purple, Red

 

Flower Season

Summer, Fall

 

Leaf Color

Blue Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Medium

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained, Moist

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Meadow, Ranch, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Showy Flowers, Specimen

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Foundation, Parking Strip, Patio, Park, Parking Lot, Roadside, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Erosion Control, Filler, Mass Planting, Naturalizing

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Water Saving Tip:

As the weather gets hotter avoid the temptation to increase run times.

Instead, schedule more start times with one to two hours in between to allow the water from the previous session to soak in before watering again.