Prairie Winds® 'Niagara Falls' Switchgrass (Panicum)
Perennial
- Rounded shape with plumes reaching 4’ tall.
- Cream colored seed heads in fall.
- Year-round interest in the garden!
- Zone 4-9, sun, 4’ tall x 4’ 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. Growing in a wide range of soils with low water requirements, switch grasses are an easy-to-grow focal point for every gardener.
Details
Patent #: PP34509
Common name: Switch Grass
Zone: 4 - 9
Sun exposure: Sun (> 6 hours sun)
Height x width: 4' x 4'
Flower color: Cream
Foliage color: Blue-Green
Season of interest: Year-round
Bloom time: Late summer
Features: Winter interest, suitable for slopes, Proven Winners, privacy & screening, native, fall color, drought tolerant, deer resistant, best for beginners
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.
I ordered 2 ‘Niagra falls’ switchgrasses and 14 ‘Tater Tot’ arborvitaes last month, and I’m very happy with the quality of these plants. I live in zone 7b and so far they’re all doing well and look great in my landscape. I’m definitely going to order again from Great Garden Plants!
Arrived packaged well. Look great and have even survived a deer tasting. Our deer here eat everything at least once.
Healthy, beautiful plants, very happy with them.
Plant has catching up to do. Hopefully before cold weather
Hello! It sounds like you might be having some trouble with your plant! If you would like to send photos of the plant to [email protected], making sure to put your order number and name in the subject line so that we may provide the best assistance possible. We have a knowledgeable customer service team that would love to help! Our fall guarantee covers plants received after September 1 until May 2023! If you received your plants within that timeframe, we would happily apply your warranty once we receive the pictures. Happy Gardening!
https://www.greatgardenplants.com/pages/our-guarantee
Do you think this beautiful grass would survive deer in the area? Thx!
Yes, this plant is deer resistant! That doesn't equal deer proof, but it has a greater likelihood of being left alone by deer than other plants.
I want to plant one plant in a corner of my condo garden, but I’m concerned about how much it will spread— which I don’t want. Thanks!
It shouldn't spread much more than the 4 feet it's stated to reach at maturity.