Prairie Winds® 'Totem Pole' Switchgrass (Panicum)
Perennial
- Upright columnar habit is great for tucking in small/narrow spaces!
- Features striking steel blue foliage & powdery blue stems.
- Native, deer-resistant & tolerant of poor soils.
- Zone 4-9, sun, 6’ tall x 2.5’ wide at maturity.
ZONE
EXPOSURE
HEIGHT
Description
Switch grasses (or Panicum) are warm-season grasses native to North American prairies. From the tall blue-colored 'Niagara Falls’ to the bright red foliage of 'Cheyenne Sky,' we offer a switch grass that suits every sunny garden. Their foliage, plumes of flowers, and seed heads offer texture and structure to the landscape year-round. Switch grasses are an easy-to-grow focal point for every gardener growing in a wide range of soils with low water requirements.
Details
Patent #: PP29951
Common name: Switch Grass
Zone: 4 - 9
Sun exposure: Sun (> 6 hours sun)
Height x width: 6' x 2.5'
Flower color: Cream
Foliage color: Blue-Green
Season of interest: Year-round
Bloom time: Late summer
Features: Winter interest, suitable for slopes, small gardens, Proven Winners, privacy & screening, native, fall color, drought tolerant, deer resistant, best for beginners, poor soils, dog-friendly, cut flower
Uses: Background, border, cottage gardening, foundation planting, massing, specimen
How to Grow
Light: Performs best in full sun, may not produce as many flowers in shade.
Water: Has average water needs and, once established will tolerate some drought.
Spacing: 2.5 feet apart
Fertilizing: Fertilization isn't necessary, but if desired a small amount of all purpose garden fertilizer can be applied in spring.
Winterizing: Foliage can be left standing in winter.
Maintenance & pruning: In late winter, before new growth begins to emerge, cut foliage down to 3 to 4 inches above soil.
Plant spacing is based on the ultimate width of the plants. This figure is normally given as a range; for example, 3-5’. If you live in a cold climate and/or want plants to fill in more quickly, plan to space at the shorter end of the range. If you live in a warm climate, are on a limited budget, or are willing to wait longer for plants to touch, use the higher end of the range. Using the larger number is recommended when calculating distance from a building or structure. There’s really no such thing as "maximum spacing": if you don’t want your plants to touch, you can space them as far apart as you’d like. All plant spacing is calculated on center, or in other words, the centers of the plants are spaced one half of their eventual width apart:
Unless you are planting in a straight line, as you might for hedges or edging, space your plants in a staggered or zig-zag pattern for a more interesting and naturalistic look:
Not sure just how many plants will fit in your garden? Our calculator gives you the exact amount of plants required for your space. Simply update the values and the calculator will re-calculate accordingly. Spacing information can be found in the 'How to Grow' tab on each plant's page.
Love the upright structure and blue foliage. This drought tolerant grass works great in my garden during the hot summer months in NC. Plants arrived small but healthy. Within one full growing season most are already at mature height.
This is my 2nd year. Can't wait to see its growth this year. Have already ordered and planted 4 more, 5/26.
I needed something by my backyard pond with height that cook take the constant Alabama winds. The plant is starting to grow new shoots so looks promising. The big wait is seeing how long it takes to get big!
I've had them more than a month, USDA 7b, Aug and now Sep. They've barely grown, maybe 3-4", but I presume they are putting their energy into roots, so I'm looking forward to next year/season.
The olants arrived perfectly. Are well planted and have grown a little aleeady. Love them.
All arrived in great shape.
I was glad to find the grass. It seems to be doing great !!
Plants arrived in good condition and well packaged. I’m excited to see how they grow in my garden
arrived looking great!
So far, they are doing well in my very dry and sandy soil. We will see how they make it through the winter.
2nd time ordering this grass. Does so good in the hot dry heat I had to order more. Plants were in very good condition.
Everything died. Contacted customer service, took several days to get a return email, sent pictures and explanation and heard nothing. Waste of money had better luck buying from fast growing trees.
Our team has not yet received the photos of your plants. Please double check all information in correct before sending. Our customer service team would love to assist you once we have the photos! We look forward to helping!
Love all the plants they all came in great shape.
How long does it take this grass to reach it's full height of 6 ft.?
It's hard to say for certain, since so many factors - like weather, soil type, watering, fertilizing, and not least of all, the type of plant you purchased - all come into play. Perhaps you're familiar with the old saying about plants: first year sleep, second year creep, third year leap. This applies to plants in the garden center as well as plants you purchase online. They generally spend their first year growing roots in their new home, the second year they have more energy to put into growth, and the third year, they are growing and flowering vigorously.
Shipping costs are my concern because I can get free shipping elsewhere?
We try to keep shipping rates as low as possible to offer you the best value. Unlike other companies, with us, when you buy more, you save more on shipping! You can see our shipping rates here:
https://www.greatgardenplants.com/pages/shipping-policy
Can I plant switchgrass now, and can it tolerate partial sun, getting full sun in the afternoon.
Yes, you can plant switchgrass now. We recommend fall planting be done at least 6 weeks before the first hard frost of fall in your area. Prairie Winds® 'Totem Pole' Switchgrass can tolerate partial sun but it really performs best in full sun (6+ hours a day).