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Switch On Year-Round Interest with Native Powerhouse - Panicum virgatum

Switch On Year-Round Interest with Native Powerhouse - Panicum virgatum

Posted by Emerald Coast Growers on Aug 7th 2025

Easy to grow and remarkably versatile, Panicum virgatum, commonly known as Switch grass, is a warm-season ornamental grass that thrives in USDA Zones 4-10. It emerges as days lengthen and temperatures rise, offering attractive flowering spikes and color-changing foliage that last through summer and fall. Even in winter, its sturdy, upright form adds seasonal interest while providing essential habitat for small birds. Thanks to ongoing breeding, modern Panicum varieties now offer expand
Pretty, Prairie Tough, Panicum virgatum

Pretty, Prairie Tough, Panicum virgatum

Posted by Emerald Coast Growers on Jul 25th 2024

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 appreciat
A Native Gem - Panicum virgatum

A Native Gem - Panicum virgatum

Posted by Emerald Coast Growers on Oct 5th 2023

Native to the North American prairie, and yet still a stylish and ornamental vertical landscape element, Panicum virgatum is perfectly at home in any sunny landscape.(Pictured above) 'Heavy Metal'Glaucous blue leaves and a strong upright form create a formal look that is softened by its delicate seedheads.Tolerates a wide range of soils.Mature height: 5'Tough and carefree, "switch grass" is a long-lived, warm-season grower. In mid to late summer soft, airy panicles rise above sturdy, color-
Pretty Tough!  Panicum virgatum

Pretty Tough! Panicum virgatum

Posted by Emerald Coast Growers on Aug 2nd 2023

If you like your beauty with a side of beast,Panicum is your kind of grass.Indigenous to North America, "Switchgrass" transcends the native niche. It's just as comfortable in the traditional border as in meadow or prairie plantings. The fine sprays of its sun-catching inflorescence lend a deceptively dainty air, but don't be fooled: This is one sturdy genus, hardy all the way to Zone 4 (3 with protection).Panicum v. 'Hot Rod' PP26074Start your engines! This Emerald Coast Growers introductio
A Bread-&-Butter Garden Gem (Panicum)

A Bread-&-Butter Garden Gem (Panicum)

Posted by John Friel on May 5th 2021

Panicum (Switch grass)Indigenous American grasses aren’t just for native plant enthusiasts. Tough and carefree, clump-forming, warm-season “switch grass” is perfectly at home in any sunny landscape. Its surprisingly formal-looking upright habit works in masses, or as specimens punctuating the perennial border. Panicum virgatum Ruby Ribbons™ (‘RR1’) PP17944Bred at the University of Connecticut, Ruby Ribbons™ comes by its good looks honestly. One of its parents is the best-selling ‘He

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