Product Details
Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’ is a cultivar of our native switchgrass introduced to the trade by the beloved plantsman (and frequent Piet Oudolf collaborator) Roy Diblik. It’s a tall, dependably upright form that throws delicate spikelets above blue-green blades; the foliage and seed heads turn golden in the fall. Panicum is a warm-season grower and can be slow to wake in the spring; your patience is richly rewarded by this versatile, low maintenance selection.
The genus Panicum consists of 400-500 species of annual and perennial Grasses native to a wide variety of habitats in temperate and tropical areas globally. Commonly called Switchgrass, this upright warm-season clumping Grass actively grows from June into early September, remains green (or glaucous, steely-blue, or streaked with maroon) through hot weather then goes dormant in fall. In winter, plants remain upright and leaf blades curl and fade to buff, topped by stiff stems bearing a halo of airy seed panicles that add drama and texture throughout the cold season. Switchgrass’ ease of care, deer-resistance, tolerance of salt spray, and adaptability to a wide range of soil types, nutrient, and moisture levels make it invaluable ornamental gardens of any style. Use Panicums for screening, erosion control, mass plantings, rain gardens, xeriscapes, and in naturalistic plantings, meadows, and prairie restoration. Wherever planted, they provide beauty and important habitat, nesting opportunities and materials, along with high-value food for numerous birds, animals, and insects. The spaces between these clumping perennial grasses make way for plants like Heliopsis and tall Asters, fostering biodiverse plant communities.
For more information on growing Panicum, click Growing Guide.
Shipping
HOW PLANTS ARE SHIPPED
The size of the plants we ship has been selected to reduce the shock of transplanting. For some, this means a large, bareroot crown. Others cannot travel bareroot or transplant best if grown in containers. We ship these perennials and annuals in 1 pint pots, except as noted. We must point out that many perennials will not bloom the first year after planting, but will the following year, amply rewarding your patience. We ship bulbs as dormant, bare bulbs, sometimes with some wood shavings or moss. Shrubs, Roses, vines, and other woody plants may be shipped bareroot or in pots. The size of the pot is noted in the quick facts for each item.
WHEN WE SHIP
We ship our bulbs and plants at the right time for planting in your area, except as noted, with orders dispatched on a first-come, first-served basis by climate zone. We also ship a wide range of containers and planters, tools, supplies, fertilizers, garden wear, garden decor items, as well as indoor decorations like wreaths and dried bouquets when available. Estimated dates for shipping are indicated in the green Shipping Details box for each item. Please supply a street address for delivery. Kindly contact us with two weeks notice, if you'll be away at the expected time of delivery.
OUR GUARANTEE
We guarantee to ship plants that are in prime condition for growing. If your order is damaged or fails to meet your expectations, we will cheerfully replace or refund it. Please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-503-9624 or email us at [email protected]. Please include your order number or customer number when contacting us.
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Growing guide
Latin Name Pronunciation: PAN-ih-kum
Although native to a wide variety of habitats in temperate and tropical areas globally, the Panicum genus in horticulture is predominantly represented by North American native Panicum virgatum species and cultivars. This exceptionally deep-rooted upright clumping warm season grass has great ecological value. Switchgrass actively grows from June into early September, remains colorful in hot weather and stands tall through winter dormancy. Its ease of care, deer-resistance and adaptability to a wide range of soil types, nutrient and moisture levels– and its beauty – make it invaluable in both ornamental gardens of any style and in habitat plantings.
Growing Panicum
Plant the crown just at soil level, or slightly above if you will be adding mulch. Will naturalize by self-sowing in moist open areas, seedlings differing from cultivar parent. Useful near roads and seashores as it tolerates salt spray.Light: Sun
Watering: Low water needs, Drought-resistant once established, tolerates occasional inundation, seasonally wet soil.
Fertilizer: Not normally needed as it grows well in poor, unimproved soil. Mulch with previous season’s growth, sterile straw or gravel if possible. If mulching with wood products, apply sparingly and do not let it pile up around the crown.
Soil:Grows just about anywhere, from infertile sandy soils to fertile clay.
Pests/Diseases: Generally pest and disease free, although voles may feed on crown. Excess moisture-retaining wood product mulch can foster fungal diseases.
Dividing/Transplanting: If the center of the plant dies out as it ages or is hollowed out by voles, dig up the entire clump with a sharp sturdy spade and cut into sections for replanting. Dividing and transplanting are best done in spring when plants are actively growing but may be done when plants are still dormant.
End-of-Season Care: Switchgrass really stands up to winter’s fury. Refrain from cutting back Panicum grass in the fall, as it provides habitat and food for numerous birds, beneficial insects and animals, and will enliven your landscape with fluffy seedheads aglow in the low winter sun. If some stems are knocked askew after storms, judiciously snip them for dried bouquets. Although you can cut clumps back when they turn brown in fall, we prefer to wait until spring to chop foliage down to 4-6” and use it as mulch.
