Switch Grass - Panicum virgatum 'Cloud Nine'

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Genus: 
Panicum
Species: 
virgatum
Cultivar: 
Cloud Nine
Switch Grass - Panicum virgatum 'Cloud Nine'
Botanical Name: 

Panicum virgatum 'Cloud Nine'

Common Name: 

Switch Grass

Plant Category: 
Perennial
Hardiness Zones: 
Zones 4-9
Exposure: 
Part Sun to Part Shade
Height: 
5-7 Feet
Foliage Color: 
Green
Features: 
  • Attracts Birds
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Fall Color
  • Easy to Grow
  • Good for Containers
  • Winter Interest
  • Salt Tolerant

A tall grass growing to5- 7 feet with blue green leaves. An easy to grow native grass that tolerates almost any soil. Tolerates some shade but is best in full sun.

Care Instructions and Growing Tips: 

Fertilizer

Ornamental grasses generally require low nutrient levels to grow properly.  A relatively small amount of balanced natural fertilizer in the spring is all they need to grow properly.  Ornamental grasses start growing later than most other plants so fight the urge to jump start them by applying too much fertilizer.  Only give them additional fertilizer if leaves appear yellow and sparse. Do not fertilize ornamental grass with lawn fertilizer as it will cause them to grow too fast and produce weak stems that will fall over.

Water

New plantings should be watered regularly, 2-3 times a week or more if the weather is really hot.  Remember, grasses don’t wilt like other plants do to let you know they are thirsty.  In their second year grasses are fairly self sufficient requiring water during extended dry periods.

For Miscanthus, Panicum, Chasmanthium & Pennisetum:

Tall grasses usually have some ornamental interest in the winter so don’t cut them back until spring.  Their foliage also will protect the crown during the winter.  In spring, before the plant starts to grow, cut dead foliage back to 4-6 inches above the ground.