Product Description
Panicum virgatum 'Blue Fountain' PP28192 (30)ct Flat
Common Name: Blue Switch Grass, Ornamental Grass
Looking for a tall ornamental grass? This blue Panicum bucks the horticulture trend of shrinking plants by towering around 7’ tall. Even with its considerable height, this grass stays very upright, supporting its late summer heavy flowering performance. Greenish tan flower panicles are held on the top two thirds of the plant and look like they burst out of the clump like water in a fountain. Its attractive blue-green leaves are very wide and strappy. This durable grass will tolerate drought, heat, and wind once established.
Panicum is native grass that is very easy to grow and is a good grass for beginners. It will grow in any soil, from sand to clay, is drought tolerant once established, and even withstands periodic flooding. Grow this grass 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.
Height: 7.0 Feet
Spread: 5.0-6.0 Feet
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8,9
Foliage Color: Blue shades
Full Sun
Low to Consistent Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Summer
Deer Resistant
Seasonal Interest: Fall Color
Growth Rate: Medium
Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant, Focal Point
Discover the beauty and versatility of Panicum virgatum 'Blue Fountain', commonly known as Blue Fountain Switch Grass. This striking ornamental grass, introduced by Walters Gardens in Zeeland, Michigan, adds a unique vertical element to gardens with their impressive height and fountain-like form. Its name, "switchgrass," comes from the gentle swishing sound it makes when rustling in the wind. This detailed exploration delves into the origins, characteristics, care requirements, and uses of this remarkable grass, providing valuable insights for gardening enthusiasts.
Origins and Characteristics Native to North America, switchgrass has a rich history, dating back to its use in thatching houses and as a dominant species in the central North American tallgrass prairie. Today, it continues to be a valuable resource for landscaping and soil conservation. 'Blue Fountain' distinguishes itself with its robust size, upright habit, and longevity, with a lifespan of approximately 15 years. Bucking the trend of smaller cultivars, 'Blue Fountain' reaches an impressive height of 7 feet, with clumps spreading 5 to 6 feet wide. Its blue-green leaves are wide and strappy, creating a visually appealing texture. In late summer, the grass produces a profusion of greenish-tan flower panicles that cover the upper two-thirds of the plant, resembling a water fountain. As autumn approaches, the foliage transforms into a vibrant yellow, adding another layer of seasonal interest.
Care and Maintenance One of the most appealing aspects of 'Blue Fountain' is its low-maintenance nature. It thrives in a variety of conditions, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. This adaptable grass prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade and a wide range of soil conditions, from moist to dry and even periodic flooding. While it grows well in various soil types, including loam and clay, well-drained soil is ideal.
To maintain its best appearance, you can cut back the old foliage to a few inches above the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. This promotes fresh growth and prevents the grass from becoming untidy. Alternatively, you can leave the yellow foliage standing throughout the winter for added visual interest and to provide habitat for wildlife.
While generally pest-resistant, 'Blue Fountain' can be susceptible to Japanese beetles, leaf spot, and aster yellows disease. Monitor your plants for signs of these issues and take appropriate measures if necessary.
Hardiness Zones 'Blue Fountain' is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9. This wide range makes it a versatile choice for gardens across North America, tolerating both cold northern winters and hot southern summers.
Uses in the Landscape The unique characteristics of 'Blue Fountain' make it a versatile choice for various landscape applications. With a clearance of about 1 foot from the ground, it allows for underplanting with lower-growing perennials.
- Privacy Screen: Its tall, upright habit makes it an excellent choice for creating a natural privacy screen. Plant 'Blue Fountain' in a row to create a dense hedge that blocks unwanted views or defines secluded areas within your garden. Its height and density provide an effective barrier while adding a touch of natural elegance.
- Background Plant: It provides a stunning backdrop for perennial borders and flower beds. The blue-green foliage and airy flower plumes create a dynamic contrast with colorful flowering plants, adding depth and texture to your garden design.
- Specimen Plant: Its impressive size and form make it a striking focal point in the landscape. Plant 'Blue Fountain' as a standalone specimen in a lawn or open area to draw attention to its unique beauty.
- Mass Planting: When planted in masses, it creates a dramatic and textural effect. Imagine a sweep of 'Blue Fountain' swaying gracefully in the breeze, adding movement and visual interest to a large area.
- Container Planting: It can also be grown in large containers to add height and interest to patios and decks. Choose a sturdy container that can accommodate its size and provide adequate drainage.
Companion Plants 'Blue Fountain' combines well with a variety of perennials and shrubs that share similar growing conditions. Here are a few suggestions:
- Asters: These late-blooming perennials provide a burst of color in the fall, complementing the fading foliage of 'Blue Fountain'. Consider pairing it with purple asters for a striking contrast.
- Agastache: Commonly known as hyssop, these fragrant plants attract pollinators and add a touch of whimsy with their long, spiky blooms. Choose varieties with blue or purple flowers to harmonize with the blue-green foliage of 'Blue Fountain'.
- Echinacea: Coneflowers are a classic choice for sunny gardens, attracting butterflies and providing long-lasting blooms. Their vibrant colors, such as pink, purple, or orange, create a lively contrast with the cool tones of 'Blue Fountain'.
- Chelone: Turtleheads are late-blooming perennials that thrive in moist soil. Their unique flower shape and colors, such as pink or white, add a touch of elegance to the garden.
- Coreopsis: Tickseed provides a cheerful burst of yellow or orange throughout the summer. Their long bloom time and low-maintenance nature make them ideal companions for 'Blue Fountain'.
- Helenium: Sneezeweed offers warm colors, such as red, orange, or yellow, in late summer and fall. Their daisy-like flowers blend beautifully with the airy plumes of 'Blue Fountain'.
- Heliopsis: False sunflower provides a long-lasting display of golden yellow flowers that brighten the garden. Their tall, sturdy stems make them a good structural companion for 'Blue Fountain'.
- Helianthus: Sunflowers are a classic choice for sunny gardens, adding height and drama with their large, cheerful blooms. Choose varieties with complementary colors, such as yellow or orange.
- Hemerocallis: Daylilies offer a wide range of colors and bloom times, providing continuous interest throughout the summer. Their grassy foliage blends well with 'Blue Fountain'.
- Hibiscus: Hardy hibiscus adds a tropical touch to the garden with its large, showy flowers. Choose varieties with colors that complement the blue-green foliage of 'Blue Fountain'.
- Irises: These elegant perennials provide a variety of colors and forms, adding early-season interest to the garden.
- Leucanthemum: Shasta daisies are a classic choice for sunny gardens, providing a profusion of white flowers that contrast beautifully with the blue-green foliage of 'Blue Fountain'.
- Nepeta: Catmint is a low-maintenance perennial that attracts pollinators with its fragrant foliage and lavender-blue flowers.
- Perovskia: Russian sage adds a hazy blue-purple backdrop to the garden, complementing the cool tones of 'Blue Fountain'.
- Phlox: These fragrant perennials offer a variety of colors and bloom times, providing continuous interest throughout the summer.
- Physostegia: Obedient plant adds a touch of whimsy with its spiky blooms that can be "trained" to stay in place.
Wildlife Benefits Switchgrass provides valuable habitat for wildlife. Birds use the dense foliage for shelter and nesting, while small mammals feed on the seeds. Leaving the foliage standing throughout the winter provides additional cover and food sources for birds during the colder months.
Panicum virgatum 'Blue Fountain' is a remarkable ornamental grass that offers a unique combination of height, form, and color. Its low-maintenance nature and adaptability make it an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels. Whether used as a privacy screen, a background plant, or a striking specimen, 'Blue Fountain' is sure to enhance any landscape. Its versatility extends beyond its aesthetic appeal, as it provides valuable habitat for wildlife and contributes to a thriving ecosystem. Incorporate this beautiful and beneficial grass into your garden to create a space that is both visually stunning and environmentally conscious.
Twenty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 4.25 inches deep x 2 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!
