Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’
Blooming Time
Exposure
A unique variation upon our sprawling native prairie species, this unusual selection is interesting for its neat compact upright habit and unusual metallic blue foliage. Then, during late summer it becomes even more interesting as its open panicles of purple florets unfurl above the foliar mass. Finally, during fall, the leaves turn a pleasant shade of yellow.
Details
Hardiness Zone:
Blossom Color:
Blue to Blue Gray
Growth Habit:
Clump Forming
Max Height:
3½'
Texture:
Recommended Spacing:
We sell this plant in these containers:
Special Characteristics
Features
Native cultivar with steel blue foliage arranged in narrow vase shaped habit. Fine display of purple plumes in fall--carried well into winter.
Landscape Value
Superb specimen, accent, companion, or hedge/screen. Also excellent as a large-scale ground cover when mass planted.
Care
Watering:
'Heavy Metal' Switch Grass is very drought tolerant and typically only needs watering during the hottest days of summer.
Fertilizing:
'Heavy Metal' Switch Grass is a moderate feeder, benefiting from a couple of annual applications of slow release fertilizer. A spring application of a 3-1-2 ratio (such as a 15-5-10) can be applied at a rate of about 10 pounds per 1000 square feet, and during early fall, an application of a 2-1-2 ratio (such as a 10-5-10) can be applied to encourage root development and cold hardiness.
Pruning:
'Heavy Metal' Switch Grass should be enjoyed all winter long, then, during early April before it begins to grow again, it should be pruned or mowed back to ground level.