Product Description
Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'Common Name: Grass-Ornamental, Upright Switch Grass
Zone 4 to 9, Full sun
Plants reach 5 to 6 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide.
Click here for more ordering and shipping information.
A dark green, upright, rigid clumping selection of Panicum. Roy Diblik from Northwind Perennial Farm, who introduced this variety, describes the unique flower stalks as being similar to an arranged bouquet placed in the center of the clump of foliage. Most of the seed heads are situated in the middle of the clump, rather than arching away from it like most other grasses. 'Northwind' blooms in late summer and is a fast grower.
Panicum is native that is very easy to grow and is a good for beginners. It will grow in any soil, from sand to clay, is drought tolerant once established, and even withstands periodic flooding. Grow this in full sun. It will tolerate light shade, but will flop over if the shade is too heavy. Panicum is wind and salt tolerant, making it a good choice for seaside gardens or along roads that are salted in winter.
Switch gets its name from the peaceful swishing sound it makes when blowing in the wind. All parts of this are very sturdy, and will remain standing thru winter unless snows are heavy. This provides important cover for birds during the coldest days of winter. This is very versitile from a design standpoint; it is effective as a specimen, in masses, for screening, alongside ponds or streams, or even in large containers.
Attributes: Border plants, Container, Cut flower or foliage, Drought tolerant, Mass planting, Rock gardens, Salt tolerant, Specimen or focal point plant, Deer resistant.
Not available for shipment to CA
Twenty (20) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 4.25 inches deep x 2.75 inches wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
