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Panicum
Native Drought-Tolerant Grass
- Native Plant: Supports native ecosystems, providing food and shelter for birds and other wildlife.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, switchgrass is very drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for water-wise landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care – very little fertilizing or watering needed once established.
- Erosion Control: The deep root system helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Ornamental Value: Provides year-round interest with its airy flower plumes and attractive foliage, which often turns beautiful colors in the fall.
- Versatile: Can be used in a variety of landscape settings, including borders, meadows, rain gardens, and as a screen.
- Adaptable: Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including clay and poor soils.
- Deer Resistant: Generally, not favored by deer.
- Provides winter interest
Light:
- Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day) is essential for best growth and flowering. Switchgrass will tolerate some light shade, but growth will be less vigorous and flowering may be reduced.
Soil:
- Adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including clay, sand, and poor soils.
- Well-drained soil is preferred, but switchgrass can tolerate occasional wet conditions better than many other ornamental grasses.
- Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (6.0-7.5).
Watering:
- Establishment (First Year): Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- After Establishment: Switchgrass is very drought-tolerant. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Overwatering can lead to root rot, 1 especially in poorly drained soils.
Planting:
- When to Plant: Spring or early fall.
- Spacing: Space plants 18-36 inches apart, depending on the cultivar and desired effect. Closer spacing for a mass planting or screen; wider spacing for individual specimens.
- Depth: Plant at the same depth the grass was growing in its container. The crown of the plant (where the stems meet the roots) should be level with the soil surface.
- Backfill: Gently fill the hole with soil, firming it around the roots.
- Water: Water thoroughly after planting.
Fertilizing:
- Switchgrass generally does not need much fertilizer.
- Excessive fertilization can lead to overly lush growth that is prone to flopping.
- If desired, apply a light feeding of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
- A topdressing of compost in spring is also beneficial.
Maintenance:
- Cut Back: In late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges, cut back the entire plant to about 3-6 inches above the ground. This removes old foliage and encourages fresh, new growth.
- Division: Switchgrass can be divided in spring or fall if it becomes too large or overcrowded, but it generally does not require frequent division.
Pests and Diseases:
- Generally, pest and disease-free.
- Rust can occasionally be a problem, especially in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation.
- Root rot can occur in poorly drained soils.
Winter Care:
- Switchgrass is very hardy (typically USDA Zones 4-9 but check the specific hardiness of the cultivar).
- The dried foliage provides winter interest and habitat for wildlife.
Important Considerations:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance
- Minimal Fertilization
- Provides winter interest
Panicum (pan-ik-um) switch grass; Poaceae Family. Native to the United States and Canada. Switch grass gets its name from the peaceful swishing sound it makes when blowing in the wind. All parts of Panicum are very sturdy, and will remain standing through winter unless snows are heavy. This provides important cover for birds during the coldest days of winter. This is very versatile from a design standpoint; Panicum is effective as a specimen, in masses, for screening, alongside ponds or streams, or even in large containers.
Panicum is a 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.
It makes a dynamite, eye-catching plant when planted in masse. Panicum is wind and salt tolerant, making it a good choice for seaside gardens or along roads that are salted in winter.
Attributes: Border plants, Container, Cut flower or foliage, Drought tolerant, Mass planting, Rock gardens, Salt tolerant, Specimen or focal point plant, Deer resistant.