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Grandiflora
Poaceae
Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'
Heavy Metal Switchgrass, Switchgrass
Heavy metal switch grass is an excellent native grass for the garden. This highly adaptable, compact selection offers multi-seasonal interest. Its dense narrow, upright blades are almost metallic silvery blue as its name suggests. Plants develop and even more pronounced color when subjected to a bout of dry weather. Airy plumes appear from mid-summer to mid-autumn and give plants a soft effect. In winter the dry clumps may be left uncut to provide interest. Switch grass prefers a location with full sun and adequate soil moisture but will tolerate a wide range of soil types. If you have a spacious garden and want a pleasing airy ornamental grass, look no further. Switch grass may self sow, so it is helpful to mulch around them to deter germination. These grasses are quite drought-tolerant once established.
9 - 1
5 - 9
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
Grass
Full Sun, Partial Sun
2"-4" / 5.1cm - 10.2cm
18"-24" / 45.7cm - 61.0cm
Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer
North America, Central America, China
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Average
Clay, Loam, Sand
Pollution, Drought, Soil Compaction
Fast
Drought Tolerant
Upright/Erect
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Showy
Yellow, Pink
Tan, Sandy Brown
Gray Green, Steel Blue
No
Single
Yes
Fine
Matte
Edging, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Wildflower
Birds
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