« Previous Plant  |  Next Plant »

Panicum virgatum Prairie Dog

Prairie Dog Switch Grass (Blue Switch Grass): Patent PP32736

  • »  Short upright habit
  • »  Spring foliage emerges steely blue
  • »  By early summer the blades turn a stunning shade of red
  • »  Turns colour sooner than most cultivars of panicum
  • »  Grass is topped with dark red airy cloud-like panicles
  • »  This cultivar takes a few seasons of growth to show its full form
  • »  Bloom Time: Late summer to mid-fall
  • »  Flower Height: 125cm
  • »  Foliage Height: 100cm
  • »  Grass Type: Warm Season

    Currently Not Available
  • Category:Grasses
  • Hardiness Zone:4
  • Height:100-125 cm
  • Spread:75-90 cm
  • Bloom Color: Red
Exposure
• Full Sun
Soil Moisture
• Moist to Average
• Average to Dry Soils
• Well-drained
Attracts Wildlife
• Attracts Birds
Growth Rate
• Medium
Critter
• Deer Resistant
Attributes
• Cut Flower/Foliage
• Dried Flower/Foliage
• Fall Color
• Heat Tolerant
• Long Blooming
• Salt Tolerant
• Low Maintenance
• Juglan Tolerant
Flowering Time
• Summer
• Lt. Sum-Fall
• Fall
Habit
• Clumping
• Compact
• Upright
Foliage Color
• Blue
• Red
Landscape uses
• Foundation planting
• Naturalizing
• Roadside planting
Planting instructions
• Container Plants
Additional Information about Panicum virgatum 'Prairie Dog'

Warm Season Grasses: These grasses are much slower starting in the spring. They do not push new growth until temperatures warm in early to midsummer. They flower later in the summer or fall with most blooms remaining into the winter. Most warm season grasses tolerate heat, humidity and drought; some even thrive in these conditions.

 

Growing & Maintenance Tips for Panicum virgatum 'Prairie Dog'

This grass grows in a wide variety of soil conditions from wet to average, and is drought tolerant, once established. Grows best in full sun and will flop over if grown in shade or overly rich soils. It should be pruned back to 10 cm above ground level in early spring.