Description

Panicum virgatum Heavy Metal description:

Reddish feathery flower spikes in the summer and autumn with upright blue-green foliage.

The plant does give winter interest with it’s bleached foliage.

Use in the middle or front of a plant border.

Good for wildlife in general.

Common name: Switch Grass Heavy Metal.

The best position in the garden:

Grow in sun to get the best colours, but is okay in semi shade.

Is it useful as a ground cover plant?

Yes, it will fill a smallish space.

What type of soil:

Any reasonable soil, tolerates clay soil.

How much moisture:

Normal.

Hardiness and, or, lifespan:

Hardy.

Care and maintenance:

When newly planted always keep it watered until the roots have grown down and it is able to find its own moisture.
Cut hard back in the spring.

Size of plant:

Height 130 cm.
Spread 50 cm.

Planting density – to calculate how many plants are required in a planting scheme:

Allow 4 plants per square metre.

Purchase Ornamental grasses to create a feathery look to a border.