Product Description
Panicum virgatum 'Half Pint' PPAF (30)ct Flat
Common Name: Switch Grass
One of the most compact Switch Grasses with a dense, upright habit that tops out at 3' tall. Dark rosy red seedheads cover the top of the plant in fall. The compact nature of the plant lends itself to new landscape applications. It has excellent weather tolerance, allowing it to remain standing through heavy winter snows.
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.
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: 3.0 Feet
Spread: 1.5-2.5 Feet
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Red shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun
Low to Consistent Water Needs
Poor to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Summer
Deer Resistant
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Easy To Grow, Attractive Foliage, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant, Specimen, Native to North America
Panicum virgatum 'Half Pint' is a delightful ornamental grass that brings a compact and colorful presence to the garden. It is a cultivar of switchgrass, known for its upright habit and airy seedheads, but 'Half Pint' stands out with its smaller stature and adaptability to smaller spaces. Here is what makes it special:
Appearance:
- Habit: 'Half Pint' has a dense, upright habit, forming a compact clump that reaches about 3 feet tall and 1.5-2.5 feet wide. This makes it a great choice for smaller gardens or tighter spaces where larger switchgrasses might overwhelm.
- Foliage: The foliage is a fresh green color for most of the season, creating a lovely backdrop for other plants. In the fall, the foliage transitions to a beautiful golden yellow, adding warm tones to the autumn landscape.
- Seedheads: In late summer to fall, 'Half Pint' produces airy, dark rosy-red seedheads that cover the top of the plant. These seedheads add a touch of whimsy and movement, swaying gracefully in the breeze. They also persist into winter, providing visual interest even after the foliage has faded.
Growing Information:
- Light: 'Half Pint' thrives in full sun, meaning it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It can tolerate some light shade, but full sun will encourage the best growth and most vibrant fall color.
- Soil: This switchgrass is adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, from average garden soil to loam or clay. It prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate some drought once established.
- Moisture: 'Half Pint' has average water needs. It is drought-tolerant once established, but regular watering during hot, dry periods will help it thrive.
- Hardiness: It's hardy in USDA zones 4-9, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
Other Notable Features:
- Compact Size: The compact size of 'Half Pint' makes it a versatile choice for smaller gardens, containers, or even as a vertical accent in mixed borders.
- Sturdy Habit: It has a stout, sturdy nature, remaining upright even in strong winds or heavy snow. This makes it a reliable choice for winter interest.
- Wildlife Value: The seedheads provide food and shelter for small birds, and the dense foliage can offer cover for other wildlife.
- Low Maintenance: 'Half Pint' is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care once established.
Uses in the Garden:
- Small Gardens: Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller gardens where space is limited.
- Containers: It can be grown in containers to add a vertical element to patios or balconies.
- Mixed Borders: It can be used as a vertical accent in mixed borders, adding texture and contrast.
- Mass Plantings: Planting 'Half Pint' in groups can create a beautiful, flowing effect in the landscape.
- Prairie Gardens and Meadows: It is a great addition to prairie gardens or meadows, where it can blend with other native grasses and wildflowers.
Additional Tips:
- Cut Back in Late Winter: Cut back the foliage to about 6 inches in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
- Divide Clumps: Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.
Panicum virgatum 'Half Pint' is a wonderful ornamental grass that offers a unique combination of compact size, attractive foliage, and airy seedheads. Its adaptability, hardiness, and low maintenance make it a great choice for gardeners of all levels.
Thirty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 3 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!
