Panicum virgatum 'Rotstrahlbusch'
switch grass 'Rotstrahlbusch'
An upright, clump-forming perennial about 1.2m tall. The green leaves, to 10mm wide, begin acquiring reddish tones in mid-summer before turning a deep burgundy red in autumn and fading to a tan colour in winter. The leaves are topped with airy clouds of pink-tinged flower panicles in mid-summer
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green Red | ||
| Autumn | Red | |||
| Winter | Brown |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Panicum can be annual or perennial, evergreen or deciduous grasses, with flat, narrowly lanceolate leaves, with large finely branched panicles of small spikelets in late summer or autumn
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. See ornamental grasses cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Gravel garden
- Wildlife gardens
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Prairie planting
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back clumps to the ground in late winter or early spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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