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Panicum virgatum 'Rotstrahlbusch'

Image of Panicum virgatum 'Rotstrahlbusch'

James H. Schutte

Family

Poaceae

Botanical Name

Panicum virgatum 'Rotstrahlbusch'

Plant Common Name

Switchgrass

General Description

If you have a spacious garden and want a pleasing airy ornamental grass, look no further than switchgrass. A tall, upright, very hardy perennial bunchgrass from the fields and prairies of the United States and Canada, it offers interest throughout most of the growing season. The leaves of the cultivar 'Rotsrahlbusch' turn brilliant orange-red in fall.

The blades of this switchgrass are long, narrow, densely packed and upright. The bluish green foliage has purplish tips and tinting that expand and redden as the season progresses. Plants gradually develop into broad bushy clumps. Large airy floral plumes are held high above the foliage from midsummer to mid-autumn and give plants a soft, cloud-like appearance. They are silvery-pink maturing to purple. The foliage turns reddish brown in late fall. Plants may be left uncut to provide winter interest (as well as food for the birds).

Switchgrass prefers full sun. Almost any evenly moist and adequately drained soil will do, from sandy to clay-rich. Plants exhibit reasonable drought resistance once established. The dry foliage should be cut back in spring just before the fresh blades begin to peek up from the soil line. It may self sow, sometimes abundantly. This big bold grass looks especially lovely when planted in sweeps among colorful composites (daisy family plants) and other tall bright perennials.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    5 - 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

    4'-5' / 1.2m - 1.5m

  • Width

    2'-4' / 0.6m - 1.2m

  • 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, Drought, Soil Compaction

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Yellow, Pink, Tan, Silver

  • Fruit Color

    Burgundy, Tan, Sandy Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Purple, Light Green, Burgundy

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Purple, Burgundy

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Red, Orange, Burgundy

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Brown, Burgundy

  • 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

    Container, Cutflower, Edging, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Wildflower

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Birds

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes