switch grass
Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Frequent
Propagation:
Seed Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
5 - 9
Flowers:
Pink-tinged Flowers In Summer
Sun:
Full sun
Soil:
Humus rich, Rocky , gravelly , dry, Well-drained
Fruits:
brown Fruits In Autumn Ready In
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Switch Grass is a low-maintenance plant which requires very little water to thrive. It can survive in both dry and moist soil conditions and generally should only be watered when the soil around the plant feels dry. If planted in the ground with regular access to rain, it can usually go without supplemental watering. When supplemental watering is necessary, water deeply and infrequently. Water every 7-14 days, or whenever the soil feels dry 1 inch below the surface. It is best to water early in the morning to give the soil time to dry out before nighttime.
sunlight
Switch grass (Panicum virgatum 'Northwind') will do best in full sun, meaning the plant should be in direct sunlight for 6-8 hours every day. If planting in partial sun, the plant should get at least 4 hours of sunlight on a daily basis. This species of switch grass is more tolerant of heat and drought than some of its counterparts, so it can withstand more intense sunlight during the hottest part of the day. During the winter, switch grass will still benefit from some sunlight, but growth will slow significantly compared to the summer months.
pruning
Switchgrass is a tough, drought-tolerant grass that is an excellent choice for areas with a wide range of soil types. It tolerates most soil types, including clay and wet soils. Switchgrass should be pruned in early spring, just as new growth begins to appear. To encourage bushier growth, remove the center of the clump. This will encourage a more robust and full look. For a general cleaning up, you can cut back the dead or dried foliage of the grasses during the early fall season. If you see any dead foliage while pruning in the spring you can go ahead and take it away. Switchgrass should be cut back to the ground once a year, early in the spring before new growth appears. The best tool for pruning switchgrass is a pair of hedge shears or hand clippers. Be sure to remove no more than 1/3 of the grass with each pruning. After pruning it may be necessary to apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer for vigorous green growth and better maintenance.
