Species bitter switchgrass
orange-brown foliage

bitter switchgrass

Panicum amarum 'Dewey Blue'

Bitter switchgrass is a strong and hardy native grass. An attractive variety of Panicum amarum, Dewey Blue produces small, leafy clumps of bright, blue-green evergreen foliage. In midsummer, short stems of greenish-purple inflorescences appear, with the seed heads remaining attractive well into winter. Dewey Blue thrives in dry soil and full sun, does not require much maintenance, and is suitable for use as a ground cover or for erosion control. Ideal for low-maintenance landscapes and wildlife habitats, this semi-evergreen ornamental grass is a great choice for gardeners who want a versatile, easy-care perfect specimen.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

2 - 9

Flowers:

Blue tinged Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Bitter switchgrass (Panicum amarum 'Dewey Blue') is a drought-tolerant, native warm-season grass. Water deeply and slowly when growing this grass. To do this, soak the ground around the base of the plant with 2 to 3 inches of water once or twice a week during the growing season. Watering deeply and slowly will encourage the roots of the bitter switchgrass to delve deep into the soil, helping it become better able to withstand dry periods. It is important to water more frequently during prolonged droughts. During the winter months when the plant is dormant, water infrequently and only during times of drought.

sunlight

Bitter Switchgrass (Panicum amarum 'Dewey Blue') prefers full sun, meaning it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It is best planted in soil that has good drainage, and it can grow in a variety of soil types. To encourage healthy growth, it can be beneficial to fertilize the soil at the beginning of the growing season. It is important to water plants regularly during the growing season, although this grass is drought tolerant and does not require frequent waterings. It is also important to remove and dead or damaged foliage as it appears. Proper care should result in blooms in mid- to late summer.

pruning

Bitter switchgrass (Panicum amarum 'Dewey Blue') should be pruned 2 to 3 times a year. For the first pruning in the spring, it should be trimmed as soon as the new growth begins in March or April. For the summer pruning, it is recommended to prune in June or July, when the stems have grown 4 inches in height. In the fall, prune in October or November, when growth starts to slow. Prune only the tips of the stems, do not cut the entire stem. This will help the grass to remain healthy and vigorous. It is important to monitor the growth of the grass and prune more often if necessary.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Panicum amarum 'Dewey Blue' typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Panicum amarum 'Dewey Blue' typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map