Product Description
Panicum virgatum 'Totem Pole' PP29951 CPBRAF (30)ct Flat
PRAIRIE WINDS® Collection
Common Name: Switch Grass, Ornamental Grass
A mental image of a totem pole brings to mind a tall, narrow, majestic structure – the exact imagery to apply to this new ornamental grass! 'Totem Pole' forms a very upright column of steel blue foliage and powdery blue stems. In early fall, the top of the clump explodes with golden seed panicles. The narrow base of the plant makes it an ideal candidate for small spaces in the garden that need height and vertical structure.
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: 6.0 Feet
Spread: 2.5 Feet
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Tan shades
Foliage Color: Green shades, Blue shades
Full Sun
Low to Average Water Needs
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, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Dried Flower, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant, Focal Point
Panicum virgatum 'Totem Pole', also known as Totem Pole Switch Grass, is a striking ornamental grass prized for its narrow, upright growth habit and beautiful blue-green foliage. It is a fantastic choice for adding vertical interest to gardens, especially in smaller spaces. Here is a rundown of its key features and growing needs:
Key Features:
- Upright and Narrow: As the name suggests, 'Totem Pole' grows in a very narrow, columnar shape, reaching about 6 feet tall while only spreading around 2.5 feet wide. This makes it ideal for tight spaces or where you want a strong vertical accent.
- Steel-Blue Foliage: The leaves are a lovely steel-blue color, providing a cool contrast to other plants in the garden.
- Airy Seed Heads: In late summer and fall, it produces airy panicles of golden seed heads that add another layer of visual interest and persist through the winter, providing food and shelter for birds.
- Winter Interest: The dried stems and seed heads remain standing through the winter, adding texture and structure to the garden even when other plants have died back.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, 'Totem Pole' is a very low-maintenance plant, requiring little care.
Growing Conditions:
- Zones: 4-9 (It is quite hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures)
- Sun: Full sun is essential for best growth and upright form. It may tolerate some light shade, but too much shade can cause it to flop over.
- Soil: Adaptable to a variety of soil types, including clay, sand, and loam. It prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate some moisture.
- Water: Once established, it is drought-tolerant, but it will benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells.
Care Tips:
- Cut Back: In late winter or early spring, cut the stems back to a few inches above the ground to make way for new growth.
- Division: If desired, you can divide clumps every few years to prevent overcrowding and rejuvenate the plant.
- Fertilizing: Generally, it does not require fertilization, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer in spring can promote growth.
Uses in the Landscape:
- Vertical Accent: Its narrow form makes it perfect for adding vertical lines to borders, gardens, or containers.
- Screening: Planted in a row, it can create a beautiful and effective screen or hedge.
- Mass Planting: It looks stunning when planted in large groups, creating a sea of blue-green foliage that sways in the breeze.
- Mixed Borders: It adds texture and contrast to mixed borders with perennials and shrubs.
If you are looking for a low-maintenance, visually striking ornamental grass, Panicum virgatum 'Totem Pole' is an excellent choice. Its unique form and beautiful foliage will add a touch of elegance to your 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!
