switch grass

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum 'Prairie Sky') should be watered once or twice a week in the warmer months, and once every 2 weeks in the cooler months. It should be watered deeply so that the whole root system gets watered. During the hottest months, it may need to be watered more often than every 2 weeks in order to prevent it from wilting and drying out. The amount of water needed for each session should be enough that the soil is slightly damp but not soaked. If the soil feels too dry, then add more water until it feels slightly damp. Be careful not to over-water, as this can cause root rot.

Switch grass (Panicum virgatum 'Prairie Sky') prefers full sun to light partial shade. It requires at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day, between 10am and 4pm, when direct sunlight is the strongest. Morning and late afternoon sunlight should be filtered or indirect, as the plant is susceptible to damage from strong afternoon light or heat. During the hottest part of the growing season, additional shade may be required.

Switch grass (Panicum virgatum 'Prairie Sky') should be pruned in early spring before new growth begins. The old foliage should be cut down to about 6-8 inches from the soil line. Pruning is essential for switch grass to promote strong, vigorous growth and maintain a desirable shape. Dead and old foliage should be removed to allow for new, healthy growth. Switch grass that is grown for ornamental purposes may require additional about 6-8 inches of pruning in the middle of summer in order to keep the plant from getting too tall. Pruning more than 8 inches can damage the overall shape of the plant, so it is best to avoid going too deep with sub-0 temperatures.