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Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' Switch Grass (1 Gallon) is an elegant ornamental grass known for its upright, columnar form and its striking golden-brown flower panicles, adding both vertical interest and seasonal color to garden landscapes.
Description:
- Dimensions: Grows to a height of 4-6 feet with a spread of 2-3 feet.
- Sun Exposure: Thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to achieve optimal growth and flowering.
- Water Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots, then reduce watering.
- Hardiness Zones: Hardy in Zones 4-9.
- Bloom Time: Blooms in late summer to early fall, producing delicate, airy flower panicles that turn from green to a soft golden-brown as they mature.
- Pruning: Cut back the foliage to about 6-8 inches from the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
How to Plant:
- Location: Ideal for garden beds, borders, or naturalized areas. Prefers a sunny location with well-draining soil.
- Soil Preparation: Use well-draining soil. Amend with compost if necessary to improve soil fertility and drainage.
- Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart to accommodate their mature spread and to ensure good airflow.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture during the first growing season. Once established, reduce watering frequency.
Fun Fact: 'Northwind' Switch Grass is prized for its distinctive, upright growth habit and its ability to provide year-round visual interest. Its columnar form and golden-brown flower panicles add structure and texture to the garden, making it an excellent choice for adding vertical emphasis and complementing other plants in mixed borders or mass plantings. Additionally, its tolerance for a variety of soil conditions and its value in providing habitat for wildlife make it a versatile and ecologically beneficial addition to any landscape.