Heavy Metal Switchgrass

Heavy Metal Switchgrass
Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'
 
One of the most well-known Switchgrasses
Great Mid-Sized Grass
Metalic Blue/Grey Foliage
Pink-tinted Airy Panicles
 
Very Low-Maintenance
 
Drought-Tolerant
 
Deer-Resistant
 
Clumping Grass: Non-spreading
 
Warm-Season Grass: Warm-season grasses put on most of their growth in the heat of summer. They remain dormant until temperatures reach 15-20 degrees celcius.
 
Flower Bloom Time: Late Summer
 
Features:
Metallic Blue-Green Foliage
Foliage Turns Golden Yellow in Fall
Upright Form
Airy Pink-tinted Flower Panicles Appear Mid-Summer
Drought-Tolerant once Established
Deer and Rabbit Resistant
Heat-Tolerant
Pollution-Tolerant
Deadheading Not Necessary
Very Low-Maintenance 
 
Zone: 4 (-34 Celcius)
 
Plant Type: Perennial
 
Height: 36-48 Inches (3-4ft) 
 
Spread: 24-36 Inches (2-3ft)
 
Spacing: 36-48 Inches (3-4ft)
 
Habit: Upright
 
Light Requirement: 
Sun to Part-Sun (at least 4 hours direct sunlight)
 
Soil:
Clay
Loam (Silt)
Sand
 
Drainage:
Moist but Well-Drained
 
Uses:
Hedge
Privacy Barrier / Screen
Raised flower beds or pots
Cut Flower
Dried Flower
Grass
Landscape
Mass Planting
Specimen
 
Heavy Metal Switchgrass is a warm-season grass. Warm-season grasses put on most of their growth in the heat of summer. They reach their mature height by late summer and fall after they push up their airy panicles. These grasses provide excellent winter interest. Leave their foliage in place throughout winter and then cut the clumps of grass to 6 inches above ground before new shoots appear late spring. Divide warm season grasses in spring to transplant to another area if desired.  
 
Care: 
Very easy to grow. Keep well-watered the first year to establish a strong root system. Apply an all-pupose fertilizer in spring (after pruning or planting) when new growth appears. 
 
If growing in pots, more watering will be required. In the heat of summer, daily deep watering is recommended.  In winter, water once a month to keep the plants from dehydrating due to frost.