They do best when divided every three years. Zone 4. Since Northwind Switch Grass has been introduced by nurseryman, Roy Diblik in 1992, it's use has steadily grown. https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/grasses/plants/switchgrass.htm Accessed September 21, 2020. When grown in too much shade the plants are likely to look leggy and become discolored. This large, bunching grass grows 3-7 feet high and has a 2-3 foot spread. No serious insect or disease problems. 8 Change Location Buy Online Find In Store Add To Wishlist OVERVIEW DETAILS STYLE CARE This Plant's Growing Zones: 4-9 Your USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 8 Good to grow! form a strategic partnership called N.C. Cut back clumps to the ground in late winter to early spring. Flowers: Tall pink flower plumes appear in late summer. You can divide the plant every few years to produce new plants. How to Plant and Grow Golden Bamboo - Better Homes & Gardens Winter color is tan. Accessed September 21, 2020. Latin name: Panicum virgatum10Common name: Northwind Switchgrass10Flowers: Not showy10Fruit: Caryopsis (simple dry grain-like fruit)10Height & Width: 3-6ft tall, 24in-3ft wide19Type: Herbaceous perennia10Habit: Grassy/grass-like10Wetland indicator category: FAC10SC regions include (1) Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains & (2) Eastern Mountain PiedmontTexture: Fine10Growth rate: Medium10Light: Sun, part shade10Moisture: Medium10Soil: Dry, moist10Zones: 5-912Origin: Native in the continental US except California and the Pacific Northwest10Ecosystem benefits: Food and habitat for wildlife, provides cover and nesting material16Features: This plant is known for stabilizing soil, making it useful for erosion control16. Cut back to about six inches tall in early spring. When the weather gets colder, the flower heads and the foliage starts to turn yellow or tan. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: 'Northwind' has no serious insect or disease problems. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a native, warm season grass that is an excellent replacement for invasive Chinese silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis). Shenandoah is a German selection that grows 3-4 feet tall and has red leaf tips early in the growing season and burgundy fall foliage color with burgundy seedheads. Ornamental cultivars tend to have a dense, columnar form. In a garden setting, it can be used as a border, or as a screen12. Switch grass is generally noted for its stiff, columnar form, and typically retains its vertical shape throughout the growing season. In the right conditions, switchgrass can self-seed and spread. The specific epithet, virgatum, means "twiggy," 'Northwind' is one of the best vertical forms available ofall thecultivars of this species. Once established this species can help suppress weed growth as it quickly out-competes aggressive vegetation for sun, water, nutrients, and space. Prefers full sun and moist soils, but will also tolerate dry soils and drought, or wet soils. Seedlings are frequently very different from the parents. 'Northwind' is a cultivar of thedeciduous, native perennial, ornamental grass that is known as switch grass. Seeds are a food source for birds in winter.Genus name comes from an old Latin word for millet.Specific epithet means twiggy. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. Switchgrass: Nothing to panic about, a wonderful plant Visit Our New Dahlia Learning Center, Skip to the beginning of the images gallery, 2022 AmericanMeadows.com All rights reserved, Learn: Difference Between Annuals vs Perennials, Find The Right Perennials For Your Garden, Shop All Pre-Planned Gardens & Collections, Repeat Performance Bearded Iris Collection, Watch Our Spring-Planted Flower Bulb Videos, Watch Our Fall-Planted Flower Bulb Videos, Free Ground Shipping Right To Your Event Or Business, Attract Pollinators & Do Good For The Environment. Always follow the instruction on the label when using fertilizers. This website will offer limited functionality in this browser. Very adaptable and tolerant of various growing conditions. Use organic material such as straw to keep the plant warm. This plant is one of the more dominant species of the tallgrass prairie, but it is found all over North Americagrowingalong moist roadsides, streambanks, and woodlands. This transition will allow your plants to harden off before cold weather sets in. All perennials and spring-planted bulbs are packaged to withstand shipping and are fully-guaranteed. Youll also need to keep the ground moist to encourage growth. Moderate growing; reaches 4 to 6 ft. tall, 2 to 3 ft. wide. This warm season grass thrivesgrown in full sunand will tolerate a wide range of soil types. They are very adaptable and can cope with neutral, acidic, or alkaline soils. ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT, LEGACY OUR STORY NURSERY LOCATIONS SUSTAINABILITY PRESS CAREERS INTERNSHIPS REFER-A-FRIENDREWARDS PROGRAM, HELP CENTER RETURN POLICY SHIPPING INFO WHAT IS A HARDINESS ZONE? Adult Common Wood-Nymph butterflies feed on rotting fruit and flower nectar. There are now several choices of ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) to substitute for, say, invasive barberry, . Switch grass is generally noted for its stiff, columnar form, and typically retains its vertical shape throughout the growing season. This ornamental grass is fast-growing but takes between two and four years to reach its full height. Good fall color of yellow and orange. As with most species of switchgrass, Northwind grows best in full sun but will tolerate light shade. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr. in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality. ). Northwind switchgrass is propagated by seed. Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' is extremely drought tolerant, but soil that is occasionally boggy does not bother it. Panicum virgatum Northwind Upright Switchgrass - Hoffman Nursery A few of these cultivars include: Illinois Wildflowers. Shop the Early Bird Bulb Sale to save 25% on fall-planted flower bulbs for your garden! 2023 americanmeadows.com All rights reserved. 'Prairie Fire' has a fibrous root system that grows to more than 10 feet deep, making it drought tolerant. Northwind switchgrass has long slender stems and leaves that are olive-green to blue-green in color depending on the season (If youd prefer red, check out Hot Rod Switchgrass). This is a larval host plant for various Skipper butterflies and the Common Wood-Nymph (Cercyonis pegala) which have one brood from late May to October. Provides nesting materials for birds. Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' (Northwind switchgrass) A versatile landscape grass discovered in northern Illinois and developed by Roy Diblik for its strong upright growth habit that makes it very useful in plant combinations . Lately, I have been watching the backyard monarchs as if they were my own children! All types are deeply rooted, growing a few to several feet deep in the soil. It can be found in remnant prairies, in pastures, along roadsides in many areas, and even in brackish marshes. May flop in overly rich soils. (USDA Plant Hardiness Zones), Why is My Phlox Not Flowering? In the late summer, the flowers appear as pink and green spike-lets that are arranged in large branched panicles . Olive to blue-green foliage turns golden yellow in autumn. Image courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden PlantFinder. Save 25% On Pre-Planned Gardens & Collections, Dig In! N.C. Not a bad plant by any means! Design your own personal prairie with John Greenlee's The American Meadow Garden. Cut old foliage back and apply a general purpose fertilizer just before new shoots appear in late winter to early spring. Switchgrass Shenandoah by mwms1916 CC by NC ND 2.0. No Retailers found within 50 miles of your zipcode, We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for nearly. When in flower, flower panicles may bring total plant height to 6'. After the flowers go to seed leave them on the plant to provide a winter food source for birds and small mammals. Seeds should germinate in 2-3 weeks in warm conditions. Siting: This plant can be used as an accent or grouped together12. Do not allow mulch to touch the plant stems18. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. 'Northwind' features one of the best vertical forms of any of the . of the soil line in late winter to early spring. Shenandoah: A compact variety more suitable for garden planting. Switchgrass, Sedum, Solomon's Seal, Turtlehead: Choice Perennials For Our curated bearded iris collections are created with your garden in mind. For the best appearance, the plant should be sheared back to within a few inches (8 cm.) When in flower, flower panicles may bring total plant height to 6'. Switchgrass provides food and shelter for a number of local wildlife. A small patch of white hairs present where the leaves attach to the stems. The grass persists into winter. The genus name, Panicum, is the old Latin word for millet. The Plant Information section describes how that item will ship. Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' (Switch Grass) - Gardenia Northwind Switch Grass - Monrovia Northwind Switch Grass is bulletproof. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Care: Plant crown at soil level18. Purplish seed heads (Lambton, Toronto, ON)-Early Fall, Stem and leaf attachment (Lambton, Toronto, ON)-Early Fall, Leaf sheath and hairs (Lambton, Toronto, ON)-Early Fall, Leaf sheath and stem (Lambton, Toronto, ON)-Early Fall, Panicle (Lambton, Toronto, ON)-Early Fall, Panicum virgatum (in back) in Moore County in summer. It reaches3-4 feet and with its flower plumesit can measure up to 7 feet tall. Step by step instructions on how to plant your spring-planted flower bulbs when they arrive. We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for nearly 100 years. In addition, its extensive root system grows 5-6 feet deep, making it a great plant to assist with stabilizing banks. The species is native to roughly the eastern two-thirds of North America. the leaves curl slightly when the rosy panicles appear. 'Prairie Fire' red switchgrass - FineGardening However, hand weeding may be required in the beginning to maintain high-quality habitat. Switchgrass adds graceful movement and peaceful music when blowing in the wind, but don't let the grace and peace fool you into thinking this is a pansy. This native grass mixes well with late asters, sedums, Echinops ritro, red shrub roses, smoke bush (Cotinus sp.) Less water, less mowing, and no pesticides. Most often, Northwind switchgrass is left untrimmed. (No offense to our annual flower friends!) Switchgrass can be distinguished from other warm season grasses by the white patch of hairs found where the leaf attaches to the stem. Jump into the meadowverse! In the fall, they become yellowish-beige. The soil should also be well-drained to prevent root rot or other fungal infections that could occur with Northwind grass under moist conditions for long periods. I have been in awe at the sights I have missed over the years. Northwind switchgrass is known for its excellent resistance to disease and insects. It is deer resistant and grows to be about 4-5 feet tall, making it the perfect choice for any perennial garden. Northwind switchgrass is very hardy and can cope with both hot and cold weather conditions. Switchgrass can be found growing wild throughout much of Maryland, except for some areas in the western part of the state. There are literally hundreds of other species capable of choking out switchgrass seedlings should they manage to germinate unintentionally. The foliage is flat and narrowly lanceolate. Add Texture and Create Movement: Some grasses, such as Switchgrass, seem to dance in the wind with their airy flower heads adding motion to the garden. It reaches 3-4 feet and with its flower plumes it can measure up to 7 feet tall. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Icy weather doesn't faze it . Teardrop seed is in form of a grain 1/8" long start out pink or purple and turn tan in the fall. Our Pre-Planned Gardens are a garden in a box with a garden map making gardening easy for all. Northwind switchgrass is a warm-season prairie grass that's often seeded in spring and can be grown successfully throughout most regions in USDA climate zones 3 to 9. In the garden this species can provide nearly year-round interest, as the plants remain upright throughout the winter. In hot and humid climates, this grass can be susceptible to rust. Retrieved from http://www.waysidegardens.com/northwind-switchgrass/p/48348/, Copyright 2023 Clemson UniversityCollege of Agriculture, Forestry and Life SciencesClemson, SCContact Us, http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/plants/main.shtml, http://www.wildflower.org/image_archive/640x480/PCR/PCR_IMG0101.JPG. Features medium green leaves which turn yellow (sometimes with orange tints) in autumn, fading to tan-beige in winter. Beginning in late summer, a multitude of narrow, open panicles top the plant. Switchgrass may die back in winter but the rhizome will remain alive underground, especially if the plants are mulched. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Switchgrass is also long-lasting and can live for 15 years or more. The plants need warm soil to grow, so very early spring and fall planting is not recommended. Keep your new plant in a sunny location and water regularly until it has successfully established itself. Prune the plants back severely in late winter to early spring. Tolerates a wide range of soils, including dry ones, but prefers moist, sandy or clay soils. Change Location Be Inspired NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to Let's "Switch Grass" - Greenburgh Nature Center which will soon be accepting orders for Spring 2021. Will grow in part shade, but begins to lose its form in too much shade, growing more openly and possibly falling over. The plants especially the ornamental cultivars tend to have a dense, columnar form, with stiff round stems. Season: Summer for bluish foliage and architectural presence; fall and winter for yellow color and presence. Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' (Northwind switchgrass, Northwind Switch You have entered an invalid zip code, please check your zip code and try again. Fire Risk:This plant has an extreme flammability rating and should not be planted within thedefensiblespace of your home. Please open upon receipt and follow the instructions included. Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' (Northwind Switchgrass) - Plugs Differences in Seed Set and Fill of Cultivars of, requires two or more cultivars or species to set seed. If you have any questions, please call us at (877) 309-7333. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a native, warm season grass that is an excellent replacement for invasive Chinese silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis). An introduction of Northwind Perennial Farm. In prairies it is found along with big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans), and other grasses and forbs. This species has almost no insect or disease problems and rarely needs fertilizer. It is effective as an accent plant in a native or water garden or along a pond. Northwind is native to the US and prefers as much sun as possible. A compact, clumping grass with excellent vertical form. Sugar Cane vs. Bamboo: Which is Right for Your Garden? If well watered, this species grows rapidly, even during the summer months. Seeds are eaten by songbirds and small mammals in the winter. The plants also have large finely branched flowers with small spikelets in late summer or fall. Bloom:Late Summer/Fall Fruit/Seed/Nut:Fall/Winter. As soon as your order is placed you will receive a confirmation email. Plants may self-seed in optimum growing conditions but cultivars may not come true from seed. Save 25% | Fall Pre-Planned Gardens & Collections Are Back! Olive green to steel blue during the growing season. 17 Effective Plants to Keep Cats Away + Deterrent Methods. and garden phlox, as well as native prairie plants such as purple coneflower, rudbeckias, sunflowers, bee balm, and Liatris. Simply plant it in a sunny location in any type of soil and provide regular irrigation during the establishment period. Shop over 20 new colorful wildflower options for your garden. This means that these wild plants can breed with each other, and thus, set a lot of seed. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems. Piedmont Master Gardeners, Sharing knowledge, Empowering communities, and the accepted wisdom for many years was that the cultivars of. Itspreads by creeping rhizomes. In addition, its extensive root system grows 5-6 feet deep, making it a great plant to assist with stabilizing banks. It makes a good substitute for some of the larger. This large, bunching grass grows 3-7 feet high and has a 2-3 foot spread. Prairie Fire from Amber Wave Gardens, Benton Harbor, Michigan has green foliage that turns shades of deep red in early summer much earlier than other red cultivars and butter yellow in fall. Crown and root rot may also occur. Habit: Strongly upright warm-season ornamental grass, to five feet tall and half as wide. Theres something else we gardeners need to know about, Are you wondering about the invasion potential of. In southern summers rust might become an issue and if grown in stressful conditions crown or root rot can occur. The compact plants are only about three feet tall, with taller flower spikes with strong pink tones, and dark burgundy seeds. Click here to view our General Gardening Guides. The leaves willturn attractive shades of yellow-orange in the fall and then leaves will fade to light brown and persistthrough the winter. I seemed to have solved the mystery of my expanding population of miscanthus seedlings. For more information on this . Too little water and growth will halt, and leaves will turn brown and die as a protective measure against further water stress. It is a clump-forming, warm season grass which typically grows to 3' tall. Overly moist and rich soils should be avoided because it tends to cause the plant to flop. Northwind Switchgrass, Panicum virgatum | American Meadows Learn to use ornamental grasses in combination with perennials, bulbs and more in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden's All-Region Guide to Designing Borders for Sun and Shade. Try using small divisions as a vertical element in containers with a variety of annuals or tender perennials such as Plectranthus or coleus. In this issue, you can learn about the lovely black and yellow garden spiders which can be seen this time of year, as well as information on the vigorous, native switchgrass. Northwind Switch Grass Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' Pronunciation: PAN-ih-kum vir-GA-tum SKU #02296 USDA Zone 4-9 Good to grow! Some popular warm season native clumpers are: Switch grasses ( Panicum) produce a fine cloud of tiny red blossoms. It is drought, deer, and wet soil tolerant. . HabiChat subscribers will receive webinar updates as they are scheduled. Find Out Today, Birds of Paradise Leaves Have Brown Edges: What to Do, Can An Avocado Tree Grow In A Pot (yes + How To). 'Northwind' is a cultivar of the deciduous, native perennial, ornamental grass that is known as switch grass. Switchgrass also called tall panic grass, tall prairiegrass, wild redtop, thatchgrass, and other common names is one of the main species of grasses of the North American tallgrass prairie, ranging from southern Canada (south of latitude 55N) to Mexico over most of the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. If the crown becomes infected, the grass will die. We do not seek to profit from shipping fees, so rest assured that our shipping rates reflect an average of what it costs to get our guaranteed products safely to your door. Crown of plant should rest just at or above the soil surface after watering in. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. This Switchgrass is extremely easy to grow and withstands dry conditions. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Use switchgrass massed or in groups at the back of perennial borders, in mixed plantings or in prairies and native gardens. Why Buy Seed Favors For Your Promotion Or Event: Step by step instructions on how to plant your bare root or potted perennials when they arrive. This plant is one of the more dominant species of the tallgrass prairie, but it is found all over North America growing along moist roadsides, streambanks, and woodlands. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on the plants to prevent them from taking over. Switch Grass evolved supporting tall wildflower companions in American meadows and prairies, so it's perfect for that job. The airy, pink-tinged flower spikes rise only about a foot or two above the foliage. PAN-ih-kum ver-GAY-tum Audio. Lets look at how to grow and care for Northwind Switch Grass. Switchgrass. Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' - Plant Finder - Missouri Botanical Garden Gorgeous, steel-blue leaf blades change to a golden yellow in the autumn months, making it the perfect backdrop for your favorite flowering-plants! Northwind Switchgrass - Horticulture Panicum virgatum, commonly known as switchgrass, is a perennial warm season bunchgrass native to North America, where it occurs naturally from 55N latitude in Canada southwards into the United States and Mexico. Spending more time at home means Im spending more time in the backyard. Dallas Blues creates a backdrop for a bench in a garden. PPAF. Heavy Metal provides a vertical element in a container. Easy to grow and adaptable to most soil types; prefers semi-moist to wet soils. PRIVACY POLICY|TERMS & CONDITIONS|SITE MAP|DON'T SELL MY INFO. You will receive a second email the day your order ships telling you how it has been sent. Switch grass, Panicum virgatum, is one of many native prairie grasses that have been developed as ornamental grasses. Wayside Gardens. Coastal Point Submitted Switchgrass, also known as "panic grass," or panicum virgatum, is one of the most common grasses found here on the Delmarva coast. 'Northwind' may be used as an accent or planted in groups or mass plantings. Furthermore, if you are in need of trees and shrubs for conservation or lumber, check out the Maryland State Tree Nursery which will soon be accepting orders for Spring 2021. This large, bunching grass grows 3-7 feet high and has a 2-3 foot spread. Northwind switchgrass is pretty drought-resistant but does best when moderately watered. To determine if a plant is sufficiently cold hardy, the USDA created numbered zones indicating winter low Northwind Switchgrass hails from the Midwest, and is very adaptable - It can tolerate heat, drought, heavy rainfall, and bitter cold winter temperatures, holding up in the strongest of winds. These two native grasses support tall flowers that would otherwise flop over when in full bloom. Often, it flowers and fruits in late May through early June. Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). How to Grow Shenandoah Switch Grass 'Northwind' switchgrass is just about bulletproof, very easy to grow! It can also be used to produce biofuel16. SIGN-UP FOR DESIGN INSPIRATION AND UPDATES ON NEW PLANTS, LEGACY OUR STORY NURSERY LOCATIONS SUSTAINABILITY PRESS CAREERS INTERNSHIPS REWARDS PROGRAMREFER-A-FRIEND, FIND A MONROVIA PROFESSIONAL BECOME A MONROVIA PRO, HELP CENTER HOW TO ORDER ONLINE RETURN POLICY SHIPPING INFO WHAT IS A HARDINESS ZONE? For only $19.95/lb, this value cant be beat! The plant also has a deep root system that can reach up to 4 feet depth. Switchgrass forms tall, slowly-spreading clumps that can be divided every 3 to 4 years. Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' (Switch Grass) Switch Grass 'Northwind', Panicum 'Northwind' One of the best vertical varieties of switch grasses, Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' is a deciduous, perennial grass of architectural distinction. Foliage turns yellow-beige in fall and provides good winter interest. Furthermore, if you are in need of trees and shrubs for conservation or lumber, check out the. Green upright blade-like foliage turns yellow-beige in fall. See what's new for spring! Additional articles include information on the importance of warm season grasses and why leaving flower stems up through the winter helps pollinators. Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee, deciduous,dense, compact, erect, columnar, clumping, ornamental grass, long olive green to bluish-green, narrow, lanceolate foliage, flowers of pink and green spike-let arranged in large branched panicles in the late summer.