switch grass

Switch grass requires moderate watering. Water until the top inch of soil is moist to the touch. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering, but do not allow it to dry out completely. This plant is tolerant of dry spells, so don't worry if you forget to water it sometimes. In the summer, water switch grass plants every 1 to 2 weeks. In the winter, water on the lower side and only water every several weeks.

Switch grass (Panicum virgatum 'Dallas Blues') prefers full sun, which means at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. This is the best kind of exposure for optimal growth, as this perennial prairie grass is used to growing in the high-light conditions of its native habitat. If the sun is particularly intense in your climate, it can be helpful to provide some light afternoon shade. Without enough direct sunlight, plants may become weak and less vigorous, losing their wide, upright habit and drought tolerance.

Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum 'Dallas Blues') should be pruned in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears. It is best to remove only the dead, damaged, or diseased foliage and stems. Pruning should be done selectively, as the plant will naturally form an attractive mound or clump shape. Cut the foliage to within 6-12” of the ground. Prune any upright stems if they outgrow the norm or if they become too dense, as this can cause fungal issues. Utilizing a sharp, clean set of shears, prune off only 1-third of the stems each year.This helps to ensure the grass maintains a healthy density and shape.