Panicum (switchgrass)

Welcome to the diverse world of Panicum, commonly known as panic grasses, which are celebrated for their elegant, airy flower panicles that come in a delightful spectrum of brown, red, white, and pink hues. These graceful grasses, which are not evergreen, present a striking array of foliage colors, including shades of blue, green, grey, and red throughout the different seasons. At Heijnen Plants, we pride ourselves on the cultivation of these beautiful species, which add a touch of natural sophistication to any landscape design without the addition of fragrance. Whether used as a standalone feature or as part of a mixed border, Panicum is a spectacular choice for gardeners seeking to create a serene and visually appealing outdoor space.

120cm

Panicum virgatum 'Prairy Sky' Switch grass

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125cm

Panicum virgatum 'Rehbraun' Switch grass

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120cm

Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' Switch grass

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Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' Switch grass

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Panicum virgatum 'Squaw' Switch grass

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Buy panicum (switchgrass)

The genus Panicum, commonly known as panicgrass, encompasses an array of ornamental grasses that are praised for their adaptability and aesthetic appeal. These grasses have become a staple in garden design due to their versatility and ease of care. Panicum species are known for their robust nature, thriving in a diverse range of soil types and conditions. With their upright to bushy growth habits, they make striking additions to borders, group plantings, or as a solitary feature in a garden landscape.

Gardeners value Panicum for its dynamic foliage that transitions through a palette of colors with each season. In spring, the leaves unfurl in shades of grey, silver, blue, and green, while summer adds hints of red to the foliage. As the days shorten, autumn brings a transformation with foliage turning to vibrant shades of yellow, orange, green, and purple. In winter, the foliage fades to a dignified brown, adding interest to the barren garden.

Key Features

Panicum grasses are a captivating choice for gardeners looking to add texture and movement to their outdoor spaces. Here are some of the key features that make Panicum a desirable choice:

Panicum exhibits a striking variety of foliage colors throughout the year, from the cool tones of spring and summer to the warm hues of autumn.
The grasses bloom from mid-summer through autumn, showcasing delicate flowers in hues of brown, red, white, and pink that transition to purples, greens, and blues as the season progresses.
These grasses are drought-resistant once established, making them suitable for gardeners concerned with water conservation.
Panicum grasses prefer sunny to partially shaded locations and require average watering to maintain their best form.
The genus is deciduous, meaning they shed their leaves annually but offer a changing display of foliage and flower colors to enjoy throughout the growing season.

Tips

When incorporating Panicum into your garden, consider the following tips to ensure the health and beauty of these ornamental grasses:

To keep your Panicum grasses vibrant and encourage new growth, consider dividing them every few years. Spring or autumn is the ideal time for this task.
Provide Panicum with well-drained soil to prevent waterlogging, which could be detrimental to the plants.
Although Panicum is drought-resistant, during the initial growing period after planting, ensure they receive sufficient water to establish a strong root system.
These grasses do not demand heavy fertilization; a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can be beneficial for promoting lush growth.
Panicum can be cut back in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, keeping the garden tidy and ready for the grasses' return in spring.

Types

Embrace the natural grace of panicgrass, a plant that sways poetically with the breeze, bringing a sense of calm and elegance to any landscape. These grasses are not only a visual delight but also a testament to the beauty of structural form and the subtle play of color throughout the seasons.

The Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' is a striking variety of switch grass known for its metallic blue-green foliage. As summer transitions into autumn, this ornamental grass showcases a spectacular display of brown and red flowers, adding a touch of warmth to any garden. It thrives from August through October, standing tall and providing movement and texture to the landscape. Renowned for its upright growth habit, Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' is an excellent choice for creating visual interest in a border or as an accent plant.
The Panicum virgatum 'Rehbraun' is a captivating variety of switch grass that boasts an array of brown flowers during its peak blooming months of July and August. Its fine-textured foliage offers a unique aesthetic appeal, providing movement and a natural elegance to any garden setting. The 'Rehbraun' cultivar is particularly renowned for its ability to add a warm, earthy tone to the landscape, making it an ideal choice for gardeners seeking to introduce a touch of sophistication and perennial beauty to their outdoor spaces.
The Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' is a vibrant cultivar of switch grass that brings a flush of color to any garden. In the flowering months of July through September, it boasts delicate inflorescences that carry hues of brown and pink. This ornamental grass is particularly noted for its reddish-tinted leaves that become more pronounced as the season progresses, offering a striking contrast to the typical greenery of a garden. 'Shenandoah' is a graceful addition that provides texture, movement, and a touch of autumnal warmth.

Ideal placement of a Panicum

For optimal growth, Panicum thrives best in a location that provides full sun to partial shade. The abundance of sunlight encourages a more vivid display of the plant's striking foliage colors, which transition gracefully through the seasons. While it can adapt to a range of soil types, ensuring that the planting area is well-drained will contribute to the health and vigor of this grass. Average water needs should be met, particularly in well-drained conditions where moisture may not be retained as long. This adaptable grass is also drought-resistant, making it suitable for various landscape designs.

Planting a Panicum

When establishing Panicum in the garden, select a location that receives full sun to partial shade and ensure the soil is well-drained. Planting can occur virtually any time during the growing season, but spring or early autumn is optimal to allow the plant's roots to establish. Dig a hole that comfortably accommodates the pot's size, and amend the soil with compost to provide a nutrient-rich environment. Upon planting, water the grass thoroughly and maintain consistent moisture until it is well established. Panicum's drought-resistant nature will allow it to thrive with average watering once fully rooted.

Fertilising a Panicum

To maintain the robust health and vivid foliage of Panicum, fertilizing is crucial. Apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring as new growth appears, providing the essential nutrients for the upcoming growing season. A second application in midsummer can help sustain the plant's vigor as it enters its peak blooming period, ensuring it has the resources to develop its striking flower panicles in hues of brown, red, white, and pink.

Adequate fertilization not only enhances the growth and flowering of Panicum but also aids in the stunning transition of foliage colors from the silvery greys and blues of spring and summer to the fiery yellows, oranges, and purples of autumn. Always follow the recommended application rates on the fertilizer packaging to avoid over-fertilization, which can be detrimental to the plant's health.

Pruning a Panicum

To encourage robust growth and maintain an attractive form, the species benefits from an annual pruning regimen. In early spring, just before the onset of new growth, trim away the previous year's foliage. Cut the grasses back to about 10 cm above the ground, allowing space for the new shoots to emerge unimpeded. This timing ensures the plant's energy is directed towards the fresh, vibrant foliage, while also preserving the plant's natural, upright to bushy growth habit.

Watering a Panicum

Maintaining the correct moisture levels for Panicum is essential for its thriving growth. These grasses have average water needs, thriving well in both sun and partial shade. While they are drought-resistant, consistent watering during the establishment phase ensures a robust root system. Once established, Panicum can tolerate occasional dry spells. However, during extended dry periods or in particularly hot climates, additional watering may be necessary to keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Regular watering during the active growth season will encourage the lush, colorful foliage for which Panicum is celebrated.

The characteristics of a Panicum

Panicum varieties, with their elegant, airy panicles, add a delightful texture to garden beds and borders. These grasses are appreciated for their adaptability to various soil types and their ability to thrive with minimal care. Their subtle beauty is often underestimated, as they can create a stunning visual effect when backlit by the early morning or late afternoon sun, casting a soft glow and movement that can bring a landscape to life.

Separating/dividing a Panicum

To maintain robust growth and ensure the health of Panicum, division is recommended. This process rejuvenates the plant and can be carried out in the milder seasons of spring or autumn. Begin by lifting the plant gently from its location, ensuring that the root structure remains intact. Once removed, the clumps should be divided into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system. Replant these sections promptly, spacing them appropriately to accommodate future growth. This method of propagation not only stimulates new growth but also helps to control the size of the grass, allowing for a more managed garden display.

The ideal variety for you Buy panicum (switchgrass)

Discover the elegance of Panicum, a genus that offers ornamental grasses perfect for adding texture and movement to your landscape. With its upright growth and beautiful seasonal color transitions, this plant is an ideal choice for crafting a serene and visually intriguing garden space.

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