Easy to maintain, Panicum, also known as Switch grass, is a versatile grass for all seasons and most regions, hardy for Zones 4-10. This warm season grower gets going as days lengthen and temperatures rise. Flowering and color-changing foliage persist through summer and fall. Its sturdy and attractive dormant stands provide winter interest and serve as vital habitats for small birds.

This American native is highly ornamental and long-lived, providing lasting value. Growers and gardeners appreciate its easy culture and low maintenance nature, tolerant of varying soil conditions. New breeding adds to its remarkable versatility with an ever-expanding introduction of colors, sizes, and shapes.

We offer the native Panicum virgatum species, we also feature a wide selection of captivating cultivars, including three dreamy new 2025 Fresh Picks. Catch 'em while you can!

pictured above: An Emerald Coast Growers introduction, Panicum v.'Hot Rod' PP26074

Height: 3.5'

Rev up to the red zone! Earlier blooming for increased value. The firmly upright blades emerge blue-green, then redden rapidly until the whole plant is a rich, deep maroon.

'Shenandoah'

Height: 4'

Deep green foliage gradually takes on red hues transforming to luscious burgundy-wine red by September.

Highly valued for its tight clumping habit and delicate spray of panicles.

Available in 38's and 72's.

'Rotstrahlbusch'

Height: 4'

A.k.a. "Red Rays"

Upright and arching, this nicely sized vintage cultivar has beautiful touches of deep red color throughout autumn.

May retain green coloring in hotter climates.

'Prairie Sky'

Height:5'

Grows in a wide range of soils and moisture levels.

The upright, arching truly blue foliage produces sandy-colored flower spikes in fall.

'Heavy Metal'

Height: 5'

Glaucous blue leaves. Its strongly upright habit creates a formal columnar shape softened by delicate seed heads.

Available in 38's and 72's.

'Dallas Blues'

Height: 5-6'

Large, pastel-pink seed heads over showy wide blue leaves.

Bigger blooms and wider blades than many varieties, in true Texas style.

'Northwind'

Height: 7'

Perennial Plant of the Year 2014.

Red flower panicles float over wide, steel-blue foliage that turns golden yellow in fall.

This strong, fast, upright pick by Roy Diblik of Northwind Perennial Farm.

2025 FRESH PICKS

The Panicum v. Dream Catcher® series from Dave MacKenzie of Hortech Inc. Limited quantities are available to pre-book for next summer's ship dates.

Smoky Rose® PPAF

Height: 3.5'

A round spray of flowers floats daintily atop upright columnar foliage giving a neat, bouquet-like appearance.

Tumbleweed® PPAF

Height: 3'

Compact and tidy habit.

Early flowers are bright purple and deepen in color through fall. Wispy panicles form a unique spherical shape.

Huggy Purple® PPAF

Height: 5'

Nicely arching green foliage with sprays of purple blooms in midsummer.

The foliage darkens as summer turns to fall, turning dark purple to match the pretty panicles.

Don't panic! Your timing is just right. We've got you covered with ready-to-go Panicum v. liners from Emerald Coast Growers– your easy choice!