Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'

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Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'

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SwitchgrassPerennial, DeciduousFamily: Poaceae

Height: 1.5mSpread: 1m
Hardy

Flower colour:

Green

Pink

Foliage colour:

Blue/Green

Position

Sun Exposure:

Full sun

Aspect:

South facing, west facing

Position in Border:

Back

Soil

Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Panicum virgatum, commonly known as switchgrass, is a perennial, deciduous grass native to the prairies of North America. In gardens, it's particularly valued for the upright foliage, masses of hazy flowers in early autumn followed by gorgeous autumn colour.

Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' is an attractive cultivar with glaucous, blue-green foliage topped with pink-green flowers in early autumn. It looks fabulous planted in bold clumps that can sway in the breeze. Later in autumn, the foliage turns a lovely golden-yellow colour.

For best results, grow Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' in full sun in well-drained soil. Leave the seedheads and foliage alone until February to provide winter interest, then cut right back to make way for new growth.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecPlantyesyesyesyesyes**yesFlowersyes**yesDivideyes**yesPruneyes**yes

Panicum ‘Heavy metal’ and wildlife

Panicum ‘Heavy metal’ has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Panicum ‘Heavy metal’ poisonous?

Panicum ‘Heavy metal’ has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Cats

Cats

Is not known to attract Dogs

Dogs

Is not known to attract Horses

Horses

Is not known to attract Livestock

Livestock

Is not known to attract People

People