Product Description
Panicum virgatum 'Apache Rose' PP29142 CPBR5651 (30)ct Flat
PRAIRIE WINDS® Collection
Common Name: Switch Grass, Ornamental Grass
Neither rain nor wind will knock this solid grass down! ‘Apache Rose’ has a dense, upright, columnar habit with grey-green leaves. In the fall, the tips of the leaves are flushed with a hint of rosy-red. While other green-leaved Switch Grass typically have cream or tan inflorescences, ‘Apache Rose’ has unique rose-colored flower panicles—a welcome color in the fall garden.
Switch grass gets its name from the peaceful swishing sound it makes when blowing in the wind. All parts of this grass 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 grass 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.
Ornamental Grasses of the PRAIRIE WINDS® Collection add graceful texture and movement to the garden. These varieties thrive in full sun growing conditions and are proven deer resistant.
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: 4.0 Feet
Spread: 2.5 Feet
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8,9
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low to Consistent Water Needs
Poor to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Summer
Deer Resistant
Seasonal Interest: Dried Seed Heads, Fall Color
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Dried Flower, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant, Focal Point
Panicum virgatum 'Apache Rose' (also known as Prairie Winds® 'Apache Rose' Switch Grass) is a warm-season ornamental grass that is native to North America . It is a popular choice for gardeners because it is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant . This stunning switch grass is part of the Prairie Winds® collection, a trademark of Walters Gardens . It is hardy in zones 4-9 and can grow up to 4 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide at maturity.
Characteristics Panicum virgatum 'Apache Rose' has a dense, upright, columnar habit with gray-green leaves . In the fall, the tips of the leaves are flushed with a rosy-red hue . Unlike other green-leaved switch grasses that typically have cream or tan inflorescences, 'Apache Rose' has distinctive rose-colored flower panicles . These beautiful panicles appear in late summer.
- Growing Conditions Panicum virgatum 'Apache Rose' is very easy to grow, making it a good choice for beginners.
- Soil Requirements This adaptable grass thrives in a wide range of soils, from sand to clay . It prefers well-drained soil but even withstands periodic flooding.
- Sunlight Requirements 'Apache Rose' prefers full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight daily . While it tolerates some light shade, too much shade will cause it to flop over.
- Water Requirements Once established, 'Apache Rose' is quite drought-tolerant.
- Other Considerations This hardy grass is also wind and salt tolerant, making it a good choice for seaside gardens or areas that experience road salt application during the winter . As a warm-season grass, it thrives in hot and humid conditions.
Care Panicum virgatum 'Apache Rose' is a low-maintenance plant . It does not require much fertilizing, but if desired, a small amount of all-purpose garden fertilizer can be applied in spring . The foliage can be left standing throughout the winter to provide visual interest and habitat for wildlife . In late winter or early spring, before new growth begins to emerge, cut the foliage down to 3 to 4 inches above the soil.
Potential Uses Panicum virgatum 'Apache Rose' is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways in the landscape.
- Ornamental Uses It can be used as a specimen plant, in mass plantings, for screening, alongside ponds or streams, or even in large containers . It is also a good choice for erosion control . The flowers can be cut for fresh or dried floral arrangements . All parts of this grass are very sturdy and will remain standing through the winter unless there is heavy snowfall, providing important cover for birds during the coldest days of winter.
- Other Potential Uses Beyond its ornamental value, 'Apache Rose' has the potential to be used as a biofuel.
Design Ideas and Companion Plants The upright growth habit and striking foliage of 'Apache Rose' make it a versatile addition to various garden designs. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Naturalistic Plantings: Combine 'Apache Rose' with other native grasses and perennials, such as Coneflowers (Echinacea), Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia), and Sedums, to create a prairie-style garden that supports local wildlife and requires minimal maintenance.
- Modern Landscapes: The clean lines and architectural form of 'Apache Rose' make it a perfect fit for contemporary gardens. Pair it with bold foliage plants and hardscaping elements for a striking contrast.
- Water Features: Plant 'Apache Rose' near ponds or streams to soften the edges and add movement and texture. Its salt tolerance also makes it suitable for coastal gardens.
- Mixed Borders: Incorporate 'Apache Rose' into mixed borders to add height and visual interest. Its rosy fall color echoes the hues of late-blooming perennials and shrubs.
Panicum virgatum 'Apache Rose' is a remarkable ornamental grass that offers a unique combination of beauty, versatility, and ease of care. Its upright habit, gray-green foliage, and distinctive rose-colored flower panicles make it a standout in any garden. Whether used as a specimen plant, in mass plantings, or as part of a mixed border, 'Apache Rose' adds texture, movement, and seasonal interest to the landscape. Its adaptability to various soil types, drought tolerance, and deer resistance make it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners of all levels. Furthermore, its potential as a biofuel highlights its value beyond ornamental purposes. With its stunning fall color and ability to provide winter habitat for birds, 'Apache Rose' is a truly valuable addition to any garden.
Thirty (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!
