Northwind switchgrass
Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'
RHS AGM 2018, Perennial Plant of the Year 2014; MBG Plant of Merit 2012
USDA zones5 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to wet soil
Size4 to 5 feet tallup to 2.5 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Clumping
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Yellow
- Fall color
- Yes
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
'Northwind' switchgrass (Panicum virgatum 'Northwind') is a grass for borders, accents, rain gardens, and winter interest. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to wet soil of most types. Deer tend to pass it by. Its upright form stays tidy, and the olive-green to bluish-green leaves turn yellow-beige in fall. The airy flowers float above the foliage in summer, and the leaves rustle in the breeze.
Pairs well with Blue wild indigo, Oakleaf hydrangea, and Little bluestem.