Species switch grass
burgundy-green foliage

switch grass

Panicum virgatum 'RR1' RUBY RIBBONS

Switch grass (Panicum virgatum 'RR1' Ruby Ribbons) is an ornamental warm-season grass native to the Midwest. It features deep burgundy-colored foliage with colorful flowers from summer through fall. It prefers sunny spots with moist soil, and has outstanding drought and heat tolerance once established. Its clumping growth habit and upright stature make it an ideal choice for gardens, meadows, and large landscapes. Its ruby-colored plumes are attractive to birds and other wildlife, making it an excellent choice for wildlife gardens. Switch grass is highly adaptable and easy to maintain, making it an excellent landscaping option for busy gardeners.

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:

red,brown,ruby Fruits In Autumn Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

red,burgundy,ruby

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Switch grass (Panicum virgatum 'RR1' RUBY RIBBONS) should be watered twice a week, providing it with about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time. Avoid overwatering this plant species as it can cause root rot. Ensure the soil is moderately moist by checking it with your finger. If the top 1-2 inches feels dry, it is time to water. During drought, the plant may need an extra deep watering every 2 weeks. During the growing season, check the soil moisture more often and water accordingly.

sunlight

Switch grass (Panicum virgatum 'RR1' RUBY RIBBONS) prefers full sun exposure, meaning that it needs 8 to 10 hours of direct sunlight each day. Moderate to hot temperatures encourage spiky flower seedheads to emerge, making this switch grass an attractive landscape addition. In general, Ruby Ribbons switch grass can be grown in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5-9. For optimal growth, choose a sunny spot where it can get between 6 to 8 hours of direct sunshine each day and provide regular watering throughout the growing season.

pruning

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum 'RR1' RUBY RIBBONS) should be pruned in late winter or early spring, just before the growing season begins. The time of pruning will depend on the climate and may vary in different regions. Generally, pruning should take place when the grass has been dormant for a few weeks. When pruning switchgrass, you should remove the old foliage and flower stems to encourage healthy new growth. Cut back the stems to just 4 or 5 inches above the ground. Make sure to use sharp, clean shears and prune evenly to help the plant maintain an even distribution of resources and growth. Pruning too much can damage the plant, so it is important to be mindful of the amount being removed.

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.

Harvest Fruit

Switch grass is typically harvested in late summer or early fall, so the months to start harvesting the Panicum virgatum 'RR1' RUBY RIBBONS would be August, September, October, and November.

Starts Flowering

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

Harvest Fruit

Switch grass is typically harvested in late summer or early fall, so the months to start harvesting the Panicum virgatum 'RR1' RUBY RIBBONS would be August, September, October, and November.

Hardiness Map