Panicum Northwind

Switch Grass, Panic Grass
$18.95 ea.
Order more to save! 3+ for $18.50 ea.
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Ships Spring 2025 to
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2014 PPA Plant of the Year
Tall, strongly erect ornamental grass. Pillars of olive blue-green blades provide strong vertical form - great as an accent or in a row for screening. Airy panicles of yellow seed heads crown the blades at bloom time. Turns a warm tan-yellow in the fall. Panicum Northwind supplies an ideal wildlife habitat providing shelter and food for songbirds. Tolerates both wet and dry conditions. Switch Grass gets its name from the calming swishing sound produced with a gentle breeze. This tough ornamental grass is deer resistant, will grow near black walnut trees and even tolerates salt spray near the ocean and road salt.

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Code PANW

Patent

Plant Type Perennials, Grasses

Species virgatum

Height Tall 4-5' (6' in flower)

Spacing Plant 30" apart

Bloom Time Mid-Summer to Late Summer

Sun / Shade Full Sun to Half Sun / Half Shade

Zones 3-9

Soil Type Normal, Clay, Sandy

Water Needs Medium

Sold In Plantable Pots (3.5x3.5x4")

Special Product

PPA Plant of the Year

Chosen by a national association of gardeners and growers, these standout perennials are suitable for a wide range of growing climates, require little maintenance and offer multiple-season interest!

Special Features

  • Deer Resistant
  • Winter Interest
  • Good for Hedge
  • OK in Containers
  • Seaside/Salt Tolerant
  • Wet Site Tolerant

Panicum General Information

Panicum are strongly vertical grasses with good color. Best form is achieved in full sun, more open habit if given too much shade. Airy clouds of flowers (seed panicles) provide winter interest and food for birds. Ideal grass for stabilizing slopes prone to erosion. Ornamental Grasses are restricted from Idaho and Oregon. Idaho has restricted all potted plant material from being shipped into Idaho at this time.

Panicum Plant Care

Prefers moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Cut back in early spring to 3-4" before new growth appears. Divide in spring only. Fast grower but late to wake up in the spring.

Plantable Pots

Our plants are grown in 3.5x3.5x4” plantable pots. Made from 100% biodegradable coconut husk fibers (coir), these pots have tremendous advantages over plastic pots. With better air exchange, this "breathable" pot fosters robust root growth and reduces transplant shock since you can plant the pots directly in the ground. The pot naturally becomes part of the soil on its own over time—no composting required—and since they're made from a renewable resource that requires very little energy, they're earth-friendly too!

100% Guarantee

We offer a 100% guarantee for all our perennials to reach you in good condition and to grow. If you're not satisfied, we'll reship or refund immediately. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns—we share your passion for gardening and want your new plants to thrive in your border!

Shipping Details

We use custom, earth-friendly packaging to make sure your order arrives in great condition, and we ship based on the best planting time for your growing zone (see the approximate dates below), unless otherwise indicated at checkout. If you wish, you can indicate a specific ship date during checkout.

Spring

  • Zones 3, 4: Early to Mid May
  • Zone 5: Late April to Early May
  • Zone 6: Mid to Late April
  • Zone 7: Early to Mid April
  • Zones 8, 9 10: Early April

Fall

  • Zone 2, 3, 4: Early September
  • Zone 5: Early to Mid September
  • Zone 6: Mid September
  • Zone 7: Mid to Late September
  • Zone 8, 9, 10: Late September to Early October

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