Product Description
Panicum virgatum 'Prairie Fire' PP19367
Common Name: Grass-Ornamental, Switch Grass
Zone 4 to 9, Full sun
Plants reach 48 to 54 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide. In the spring, sturdy, upright foliage is blue-green, but by early summer the leaves begin to turn a stunning shade of deep red. Most red switch grasses do not begin to turn color until late summer, instead of early summer. In late summer, rosy panicles appear just above the foliage. When in bloom, the leaves curl slightly, which gives the impression of red ribbons woven throughout the flowers.
Height: 4.0-5.0 Feet
Spread: 18.0-24.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Red shades
Foliage Color: Red shades
Full Sun
Low to Consistent Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Summer
Deer Resistant
Seasonal Interest: Fall Color
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Dried Flower, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Attractive Foliage, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant, Focal Point
Twenty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 3in deep x 2in 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!
