Product Description
Panicum v. 'Niagara Falls' PPAF CPBRAF - Proven Winners® PRAIRIE WINDS® Collection (30)ct Flat
Common Name: Switch Grass
Notably wide for a Panicum, 'Niagara Falls' is excellent for filling space in the landscape. This native ornamental grass that appears like a Miscanthus in the landscape with arching foliage, but adds the powder blue color characteristic of Switch Grass. In fall, sprays of cream seed heads pack the top of the plant. Compared with the other Panicum of the PRAIRIE WINDS® collection, 'Niagara Falls' is the broadest of the group, but halfway in height between 'Apache Rose' and 'Totem Pole'.
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 versatile 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.
The PRAIRIE WINDS® trademark is owned by Walters Gardens, Inc.
Height: 4.0 Feet
Spread: 4.0 Feet
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8,9
Foliage Color: Blue shades
Full 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, Easy To Grow, Attractive Foliage, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant
Panicum virgatum 'Niagara Falls' is a beautiful and unique ornamental grass that adds a touch of drama and texture to the garden. Here is a breakdown of its features and care:
Description and Details
- Appearance: 'Niagara Falls' stands out with its wide, arching, blue-green foliage that cascades like a waterfall, hence its name. It is a wider and more substantial switchgrass than many others. In late summer, airy panicles of pinkish flowers appear, turning to a lovely cream color in fall and persisting into winter.
- Size: It typically grows to about 4 feet tall and wide, forming a substantial clump.
- Flowers: The delicate pink-tinged flower plumes appear in late summer, adding a soft, hazy look to the plant. They mature to a creamy beige and provide winter interest.
- Hardiness Zones: Hardy in zones 4-9.
- Light: Prefers full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily).
- Soil: Thrives in a wide range of soil conditions, from moist to dry, and tolerates both clay and sandy soils.
Native Habitat
- Panicum virgatum, including 'Niagara Falls', is native to North America, particularly the tallgrass prairie regions.
Landscaping Design Tips
- Specimen Plant: Its unique shape and size make it an excellent choice as a focal point in the garden.
- Mass Plantings: Creates a stunning visual effect when planted in masses, evoking the feeling of a flowing waterfall.
- Screening: Can be used to create a natural screen or backdrop.
- Mixed Borders: Adds texture and movement to mixed borders with other sun-loving perennials.
- Erosion Control: Its strong root system makes it useful for stabilizing slopes and preventing erosion.
Planting and Care
- Planting:
- Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
- Plant in spring or fall.
- Space plants about 3-4 feet apart.
- Care:
- Water regularly until established, then water as needed, as it is drought-tolerant once established.
- Cut back the foliage to the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- No fertilization is usually needed.
Additional Information
- 'Niagara Falls' is a low-maintenance and adaptable plant, making it a great choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
- It is deer-resistant.
- The seed heads provide food and shelter for birds in winter.
- It is a native plant, supporting local ecosystems.
- It is part of the Prairie Winds® collection from Proven Winners.
Important Note: When planting 'Niagara Falls', consider its mature size and give it enough space to spread. Its graceful, flowing form will add a unique and beautiful element to your landscape.
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!
