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Switch Grass - Upright Divergent (Panicum virgatum)
Color Name: Dust Devil
Neither rain nor wind will knock this solid grass down! ‘Dust Devil’ is a very durable grass that will grow well under less than ideal garden conditions.
Standing just over 4 feet tall in full bloom, this grass is 1-2 feet shorter than comparable varieties such as ‘Northwind’ or ‘Heavy Metal’. Its blue-green to green foliage forms a strictly upright, dense clump. In the fall, the tips of the leaves are flushed with a hint of deep purplish red.
Wine purple flower panicles are produced in late summer, blooming in the middle of the dense foliage and extending just about 6 inches above the clump. The flowers turn tan as they age.
Switch grass gets its name from the peaceful swishing sound it makes when blowing in the wind. All parts of this grass are very sturdy, and will remain standing thru winter unless snows are heavy. This provides important cover for birds during the coldest days of winter. This grass is very versitile from a design standpoint; it is effective as a specimen, in masses, for screening, alongside ponds or streams, or even in large containers.
Intro Year: 2010
Breeder: Gary Trucks of Amber Wave Gardens
Origin: Native Cultivar
Growing Tips: Panicum is native grass that is very easy to grow and is a good grass for beginners. It will grow in any soil, from sand to clay, is drought tolerant once established, and even withstands periodic flooding. Grow this grass in full sun. It will tolerate light shade, but will flop over if the shade is too heavy. Panicum is wind and salt tolerant, making it a good choice for seaside gardens or along roads that are salted in winter.
Flower Color: Tan shades / Foliage Color: Wine shades
Height: 4-4.5 Feet / Spread: 32 Inches
| Hardy in Zone: | 5 | | Blooms: | Late Summer | | Foliage Season: | Fall | | Exposure: |
Full Sun |
| | Soil Moisture Needs: |
Moderate |
| | Growth Rate: | Medium |
| Characteristics: |
Cut Flower or Foliage | 
Container |
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| | Critter Resistance: |
Deer |
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