Product Description
Panicum virgatum 'Totem Pole' PP29951 CPBRAF (4) 1-gallons
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
Panicum virgatum 'Totem Pole' is a striking ornamental grass that adds a strong vertical element to gardens with its upright, columnar form and beautiful blue foliage. It is a fantastic choice for adding structure, texture, and movement to sunny landscapes. Here is a closer look at this majestic cultivar:
- Upright Columnar Form: 'Totem Pole' is known for its exceptionally upright growth habit, forming a narrow, columnar clump of foliage that reaches 5-6 feet tall and only 2-2.5 feet wide. This makes it ideal for adding height and structure to smaller gardens or narrow spaces.
- Steel-Blue Foliage: The foliage emerges with a beautiful steel-blue color that persists throughout the growing season. It provides a lovely contrast to other plants and adds a cool, calming element to the garden.
- Golden Seedheads: In early fall, the top of the clump explodes with a profusion of airy, golden seedheads that shimmer in the sunlight. These seedheads add another layer of texture and visual interest, extending the season of appeal into fall and winter.
- Adaptable and Hardy: 'Totem Pole' thrives in full sun and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including wet and dry soils. It is also hardy in USDA zones 4-9, making it suitable for various climates.
- Low Maintenance: This ornamental grass is relatively low-maintenance and does not require deadheading or frequent watering once established.
- Wildlife-Friendly: The seedheads provide food for birds in the fall and winter, and the dense foliage offers shelter for small creatures.
Growing Tips:
- Sunlight: Plant in full sun (at least 6 hours per day) for the best foliage color and flowering. It can tolerate some light shade, but the growth may be less upright and dense.
- Soil: Prefers well-drained soil but tolerates a variety of soil types, including clay and sandy soils.
- Water: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, it is fairly drought-tolerant.
- Hardiness: 'Totem Pole' is hardy in USDA zones 4-9, tolerating cold winters and hot summers.
- Maintenance: Cut back the foliage to the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. This will tidy up the plant and encourage fresh growth.
Design Ideas:
- Vertical Accent: Use 'Totem Pole' as a vertical accent in borders, foundation plantings, or as a specimen plant in a smaller garden.
- Screens and Hedges: Plant in a row to create a narrow screen or hedge.
- Containers: Its upright habit makes it suitable for container gardening, adding height and drama to patios and decks.
- Meadow Gardens: Combine with other native wildflowers and grasses for a naturalized look.
- Erosion Control: Its dense root system makes it a good choice for stabilizing slopes and preventing erosion.
Border Plant, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Dried Flower, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant, Focal Point
(4) 1-gallon containers ready to plant, plants maybe trimmed for shipping,
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!
