Panicum virgatum
Switch grass
Panicum Panicum
P. virgatum - P. virgatum is a narrowly upright, rhizomatous, deciduous, perennial grass forming clumps of purple-flushed, mid-green stems bearing upright, flat, linear, mid-green leaves, turning yellow in autumn and light brown in winter. Broad, pendent panicles of tiny, purple-green flower spikelets bloom in early autumn.
Panicum virgatum is: Deciduous
Clump-forming, Upright
Purple, Flushed green in Autumn
Mid-green, Flushed purple in Spring; Mid-green, Flushed purple in Summer; Yellow-brown in Winter
Generally pest free
Generally disease free
Cut back in late winter or early spring.
Division
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Panicum virgatum (Switch grass) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 0.75m after 2-5 years.
Architectural, Beds and borders, City, Cottage/Informal, Flower Arranging, Low Maintenance, Prairie planting
Grow in full sun in moderately fertile, well-drained or moist but well-drained soil. May flop in fertile soils. Primarily clump-forming but may slowly spread by creeping rhizomes.
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Full Sun
North, South, East, West
Exposed, Sheltered
Hardy (H4)
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Panicum virgatum
Switch grass
Panicum Panicum
P. virgatum - P. virgatum is a narrowly upright, rhizomatous, deciduous, perennial grass forming clumps of purple-flushed, mid-green stems bearing upright, flat, linear, mid-green leaves, turning yellow in autumn and light brown in winter. Broad, pendent panicles of tiny, purple-green flower spikelets bloom in early autumn.
Deciduous
Clump-forming, Upright
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Purple, Flushed green in Autumn
Mid-green, Flushed purple in Spring; Mid-green, Flushed purple in Summer; Yellow-brown in Winter
Generally pest free
Generally disease free
Cut back in late winter or early spring.
Division
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Panicum virgatum (Switch grass) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 0.75m after 2-5 years.
Architectural, Beds and borders, City, Cottage/Informal, Flower Arranging, Low Maintenance, Prairie planting
Grow in full sun in moderately fertile, well-drained or moist but well-drained soil. May flop in fertile soils. Primarily clump-forming but may slowly spread by creeping rhizomes.
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Full Sun
North, South, East, West
Exposed, Sheltered
Hardy (H4)
Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4
Panicum virgatum (Switch grass)
Red rice root aphid; Rice root aphid
Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominalis
Insect
Absent
3
3
Potentially significant glasshouse pest; growers should monitor for its presence. Routine aphid control should be effective in mitigating risk.
Panicum virgatum (Switch grass)
Corn borer; Corn moth; European corn borer; European maize borer; European stalk borer; Maize pyralid
Ostrinia nubilalis
Insect
Present (Limited)
3
3
Polyphagous boring pest present in the UK since the 1930’s. A maize-affecting race was detected for the first time in 2010. Industry may wish to monitor for its presence and mitigate against impacts.
Panicum virgatum (Switch grass)
Rice leaf nematode; Strawberry crimp disease nematode; White tip nematode; White tip nematode of rice
Aphelenchoides besseyi
Nematode
Absent
2
3
Damaging nematode affecting rice crops and strawberry production in warmer climates; could potentially present a threat to strawberry production and ornamental production in protected environments. But modern production practices seem to reduce likelihood of impacts. Pest is also regulated at EU level; which reduces likelihood of entry.
Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.
Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here
Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.
Date updated: 7th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/
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This plant likes... | Garden match | |
Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
Designed by garden designer Paul Hervey-Brookes. A couple’s travels across the world with Viking Cruises has inspired this traditional garden. read more
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