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Panicum virgatum 'Cloud Nine'

Image of Panicum virgatum 'Cloud Nine'

James Burghardt

Family

Poaceae

Botanical Name

Panicum virgatum 'Cloud Nine'

Plant Common Name

Cloud Nine Switchgrass, Switchgrass

General Description

As the name would suggest, this is one tall switchgrass. The big bold 'Cloud Nine' has soft gray-green foliage and bears large airy floral plumes in summer.

The highly adaptable and ornamental switchgrass offers interest throughout most of the growing season. This very hardy perennial bunchgrass is native to the fields and prairies of the United States and Canada. It has a tall upright habit and is popular for native gardens with a soft and natural feel.

The blades of switchgrass are long, narrow, densely packed and upright. It forms neat clumps that spread over time and become quite bushy. Large airy floral plumes appear from midsummer to mid-autumn and give plants a soft, cloud-like appearance. In winter, the foliage turns a soft tan color and the plants may be left uncut to provide interest and seed to wildlife.

Switchgrass prefers a site with full sun and soil with even moisture and adequate drainage. It is a tough plant that will withstand a wide range of soil types from sandy to clay-rich. It also exhibits reasonable drought resistance once established. Its dry foliage should be cut back in the spring just before the fresh blades begin to peek up from the soil line. It may self sow, but not aggressively. This big bold grass looks especially lovely when planted in sweeps among colorful composites and other tall bright perennials.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    4 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23

  • Plant Type

    Grass

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    6'-7' / 1.8m - 2.1m

  • Width

    2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m

  • Bloom Time

    Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer

  • Native To

    North America, Canada, Mexico

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Average

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Pollution, Soil Compaction

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Yellow, Pink, Tan

  • Fruit Color

    Tan, Sandy Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Gray Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Gray Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Gray Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Tan, Sandy Brown

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    Yes

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Birds

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes