Catalog Description
Unique color contrast distinguishes this outstanding new ornamental form of the tall grass prairie species. Basal foliage blades are very wide, in light blue-green color with an open pendulous habit. Blooms heavily in early fall with upright purple-red colored panicles. These stand out like a haze over the entire plant due to a natural layered effect. Produces striking two tone beauty that carries well into winter. A must-have for perennial borders or use to spice up shrub beds. Equally suited to wild gardens and edges of water features for reflection. Rugged and resilient plants adapt to wide range of soil types from sand to clay, wet to dry. Herbaceous perennial grass. Full to partial sun. Fast growth to 5 feet tall and as wide, to 6 feet in bloom. |
Design Ideas
A big bold grass to spot into a dull bed or border to add interest and animation. Outstanding generously integrated into wild gardens, meadow edges and prairies. Lush appearance is also suited to modern architecture in masses both irregular and geometric. Drifts and irregular clumps are ideal for rustic homesites. |
Companion Plants
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Average Landscape Size
Upright clump of pendant foliage 5 ft. tall and wide. |
Key Plant Benefits
The most impressive Switch Grass to date. Wide, powder-blue leaves provide an excellent backdrop for the stunning reddish-purple plumes that are beautiful as cut flowers. Plant in mass or as a specimen. |
Care Instructions
Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. For a neat appearance, remove old foliage before new leaves emerge. Divide clumps every 2 to 3 years in early spring. |
Growth Conditions
| Growth Rate |
 Fast Growing |
| Growth Habit |
| Clumping |
| Heat Zones |
High:
| 9 (>120 to 150 days) |
| Low: | 1 (< 1 days) |
| Cold Hardiness |
| High: | 9 (20 to 30 F) (see map) |
| Low: | 4 (-30 to -20 F) |
| Water Requirements |
| Once established needs only occasional water. |
| Sun Exposure |
| Full to partial sun |
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Flowering
Flower or Bloom description:
Airy panicles
| Flower Color |
| Red |
| Flowering Time/Season |
| Reddish-purple plumes in summer. |
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Propagation
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Attributes
Attracts Wildlife
Dramatic Foliage Color
Drought Tolerant
Extremely Hardy
Mass Planting
Modern Garden
Native Plant
Naturalizes Well
Seacoast Exposure
Showy Flowers
Summer Flowering |
Foliage
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Plant Lore
This grass is a vital component of the American prairie where a wide range of wildlife thrives within its dense thatch and feeds upon the foliage and seeds. |
Plant History
This species is native to North American prairies, woods and marshes except for California and the west coast. A component of the now lost tallgrass prairie. This cold hardy variety was selected by Ken and Linda Smith of Change of Scenery Nursery in Columbus, Ohio.. |
New Plant
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