TRIVIA: ‘Northwind’ was recognized by the Perennial Plant Association as Perennial Plant of the Year for 2014. Amber-yellow fall color. If a substitute is needed, Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ has similar cultural needs and habit. Late summer seed fronds tipped in copper persist for stunning winter interest. It forms an erect, compact and narrow clump of steely blue-green foliage in spring, which quickly takes on red tones by early summer and turns violet, purple, burgundy and wine-red by early fall. Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ ... Switch Grass was an important component of the Tall-grass Prairie that once covered much of the Great Plains. It looks fabulous planted in bold clumps that can sway in the breeze. Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. Best in masses. Panicum Heavy Metal stems retain their upright form throughout the growing season and into winter. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Shenandoah Switch Grass Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' Sku #6388. Later in autumn, the foliage turns a lovely golden-yellow colour. ‘Heavy Metal’ is more slender and a bit shorter, however. Sporting one of the best burgundy foliage of all switch grasses, Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' is a deciduous, perennial grass of choice. Panicum Heavy Metal - Common name:Switch Grass, Panic Grass - Strongly vertical metallic-blue foliage will age to yellow in the fall. Cut old foliage in the spring. Noteworthy Characteristics. This outstanding selection forms a stiffly upright clump of powdery-blue leaves, bearing airy heads of tiny green flowers … Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ is an attractive cultivar with glaucous, blue-green foliage topped with pink-green flowers in early autumn. 'Heavy Metal' does not come true from seed and self-seeded plants may be best removed from a planting to preserve the uniformity of the foliage color. Since Northwind Switch Grass has been introduced by nurseryman, Roy Diblik in 1992, it’s use has steadily grown. Foliage and flowers of Panicum are effective in flower arrangements, both fresh and dried. Use for mass background plantings or in containers. Switch grass, Panicum virgatum, is one of many native prairie grasses that have been developed as ornamental grasses.Switchgrass – also called tall panic grass, tall prairiegrass, wild redtop, thatchgrass, and other common names – is one of the main species of grasses of the North American tallgrass prairie, ranging from southern Canada (south of latitude 55°N) to Mexico over most … Prized for its unmatched foliage color, this handsome grass has fast growing green leaves that emerge with red tips in spring, darken through summer, and turn a rich burgundy in fall. ‘Heavy Metal’ is an outstanding Kurt Bluemel selection of native switch grass with stiff, vertical, metallic-blue blades. Switch grass can be used as a groundcover to control erosion and for the transition areas between garden and wood areas. Panicum is a native warm-season genus that has lately become very popular with designers and hybridizers, both because of its toughness, … A great cultivar of Switch grass that I really should replace some Miscanthus with is the Perennial Plant of the Year™ for 2014, the Northwind Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’). Airy reddish pink flowers develop in summer. In … Pink-tinted, airy blooms appear in July, highlighting the color of its blue leaves. Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ is a favorite switchgrass, well-loved for its dramatic, metallic blue foliage and for its strong upright habit that remains standing straight and tall. Panicum prefers full sun, and moist, fertile soil; however, the plant will tolerate sand, heavy clay, dry slopes and boggy areas. Proven Winners - Prairie Winds® 'Cheyenne Sky' - Red Switch Grass - Panicum virgatum tan plant details, information and resources. May self-seed under ideal growing conditions. 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