Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'
switch grass 'Heavy Metal'
A deciduous perennial grass about 1.2m in height, forming clumps of upright, metallic blue-grey leaves, turning yellow in autumn. Large panicles of tiny purple-green spikelets in early autumn
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Grey Silver Blue | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Grey Silver Blue | |||
| Autumn | Purple Green | Yellow | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright, 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. See Ornamental grasses cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by division in mid-spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Prairie planting
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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