SCIENTIFIC NAME: Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal’

COMMON NAME: Blue Switch Grass

GARDEN SIZE: 3-4 ft. x 2-3 ft.; 5 ft. in bloom

USDA ZONE: 4-10

EXPOSURE: Full Sun to Part Sun

SEASON OF ACTIVITY: Warm Season

WATER & SOIL: Average to moist, well-drained soil; Can handle a variety of soil conditions

HABIT (FORM): Upright clumps that slowly spread by rhizomes

FOLIAGE: Perennial; Olive green to bluish-green blades that quickly turn a metallic-blue. Progress to a golden brown in the fall

BLOOM TIME & COLOR: July to August; Brown seed heads with a reddish-pinkish hue

CARE: Leave stalks throughout fall and winter for interest and crown protection. Cut clumps back to approximately 6-8 inches from the ground in late winter (Late February/Early March) before new growth begins to push up. If you miss the window and new growth begins, cut back to just approve where new growth is apparent.