Grass, Switch, Heavy Metal

Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'

Height: 4-5ft
Spread: 1-2ft
Zone: 5-9
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Bloom Time/Color: July-October; pink/brown
Uses: Borders, massing, specimen, screen
Maintenance: Low
Other: Fall color

'Heavy Metal' switch grass is a clump forming species with tall panicle seed heads that seem to explode from above the narrow, medium blue-green foliage. Beautiful in mass, standing up against a border, or simply as a specimen, switch grass can tolerate most sites and soils; tolerant of clay, moist, or dry soils. This cultivar in particular was selected for its foliage colors; blue-green during the summer and turning a vivid yellow in the fall. Leaving seed heads and foliage in the winter will add texture to the landscape. 

Panicum virgatum is an Iowa native.