#1 Grass Panicum Virg Heavy Metal/ Switch Native (TN)

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’–COMMON NAME: Blue Switch Grass–
GARDEN SIZE: 3-4 ft. x 2-3 ft.; 5 ft. in bloom–
USDA ZONE: 4-10–
EXPOSURE: Full Sun to Part Sun–
SEASON OF ACTIVITY: Warm Season–
WATER & SOIL: Average to moist, well-drained soil; Can handle a variety of soil conditions–
HABIT (FORM): Upright clumps that slowly spread by rhizomes–
FOLIAGE: Perennial; Olive green to bluish-green blades that quickly turn a metallic-blue. Progress to a golden brown in the fall–
BLOOM TIME & COLOR: July to August; Brown seed heads with a reddish-pinkish hue–
CARE: Leave stalks throughout fall and winter for interest and crown protection. Cut clumps back to approximately 6-8 inches from the ground in late winter (Late February/Early March) before new growth begins to push up. If you miss the window and new growth begins, cut back to just approve where new growth is apparent–