Species switch grass
burgundy-green foliage

switch grass

Panicum 'Prairie Fire'

Switch grass (Panicum 'Prairie Fire') is a stunning ornamental grass that produces stunning red foliage that transitions to a deep purple hue as it matures. It can reach an impressive 3-5 feet in height and sports an upright, vase-like shape. Its graceful arching habit adds movement and texture to gardens and landscape beds. This plant is adaptable to a wide array of soil and climate conditions, making it an ideal choice for gardens throughout the United States. With its beautiful color and sturdy stems, switch grass is a popular choice for privacy screens, meadows, natural habitats, and ornamental gardens.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

Rose Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

red,burgundy

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Switch grass (Panicum 'Prairie Fire') should be watered deeply once per week during especially hot, dry periods. In general, though, this species should only require about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. During the more humid summer months, once every 2 weeks should suffice. If you are unable to check the soil to determine if the switch grass needs water or not, it is best to err on the side of caution and water the plant less often rather than more. When watering, make sure to thoroughly saturate the soil around the plants' roots.

sunlight

Switch grass (Panicum 'Prairie Fire') thrives best when exposed to full sunlight for a minimum of 6 to 8 hours per day. It is intolerant of shade, so it is important to find a spot that receives adequate sunlight. During the hottest months of summer, it will benefit from some protection from the harsh sunlight, perhaps by planting it in an area where it will receive morning sun and partial shade during the afternoon. In the winter, switch grass should not be exposed to excessive amounts of direct sunlight, but instead should receive light filtered through branches or leaves.

pruning

Switch grass (Panicum 'Prairie Fire') should be pruned once per year in late winter or early spring, just before the new growth emerges. During this time, remove any dead or damaged leaves and stems, as well as any shoots that are growing too tall or too wide. This will help to maintain the shape and size of the plant. For overall maintenance and better shape, pruning may also be necessary throughout the growing season, removing any dead or damaged leaves and stems as they arise.

Season

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

Switch grass typically begins flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Switch grass typically begins flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map