Panicum virgatum 'Hänse Herms'
switch grass 'Hänse Herms'
Hänse Herms' is a clump-forming, upright, perennial grass to 1.2m tall. Dense, green leaves turn a deep burgundy-red in the autumn and airy heads of tiny purple flowers are held above the foliage from summer into autumn
Buy this plant
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 | Purple | Green Red | ||
| Autumn | Purple | Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- 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
Accepted
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
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Prairie planting
- Wildlife gardens
- 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
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.