switch grass

Switch grass is a drought-tolerant plant, and requires minimal water once it is established. As a result, it should be watered weekly in the summertime in order to keep its soil moist. During hot and dry spells, you may need to water more often. Water the plant at the base of the plant and avoid wetting the foliage. It should be watered deeply, until the soil is moist to a depth of 8-10 inches. If this is not practical, water more frequently but in smaller amounts.

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum 'Dust Devil') is a warm-season grass species that is well suited for growing in full sunlight. This grass, which is native to North America, needs 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth and health. It does well in both dry and moist soil conditions, although it prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 or 6.5. Switchgrass should be planted in a location that is sheltered from high winds and receives full sun; If planted in shade the plant will wilt and die quickly. If growing switchgrass in containers, ensure that they are placed in an area that receives plenty of sunlight throughout the day.

Switch grass (Panicum virgatum 'Dust Devil') should be pruned once a year, preferably in late winter or early spring, before new growth arises. Pruning should remove no more than 1-third of the total height of the grass for the best results. Dead stems should be cut no lower than 8 inches from the ground while leaving the live stems in their original height. This will encourage fuller growth and reduce the risk of disease in the plant. Finally, be sure to rake up any cut leaves and dispose of them properly as they can harbor diseases or pests.