Switchgrass is both a perennial and self-seeding crop, which means farmers do not have to plant and reseed after annual harvesting. During this period, water plants as oft en as every 2-4 days at the start and at least a minimum of once per week. Leaf tips turn burgundy in the fall. Later in autumn, the foliage turns a lovely golden-yellow colour. It has a very upright, erect growth habit and will not fall over in a heavy rain. The stiff, metallic powdery blue blades of Panicum virgatum 'Heavy metal' distinguish this native North American switch grass. Dig a hole no deeper than the depth of the container and 6" or more wider on the sides. In fall Heavy Metal Switch Grass get's attractive yellow, red and orange fall foliage. Place fertilizer packets into the bottom of the hole (if purchased). deer resistant, drought tolerant, fall interest, ornamental foliage, winter interest Description "Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ is a favorite switchgrass, well-loved for its dramatic, metallic blue foliage and for its strong upright habit that remains standing straight and tall. In early fall, light and airy pink seedheads develop before the leaves turn yellow, adding height to the clump. In mid-summer stems holding airy clusters of tiny pink flowers raise above the foliage like a cloud which turn brown in fall and persist through winter. Panicum virgatum, commonly known as switchgrass, is a perennial, deciduous grass native to the prairies of North America. only come in large B&B (balled & burlap) sizes only. The loose and open panicles (pyramidal shaped seed heads) appear in August or September, and remain attractive all winter. Adjust the plant height so the root crown is slightly higher than the ground. ‘Heavy Metal’ is a dense, upright plant with metallic blue foliage. These foliage turns a yellow in autumn and a tan-beige in winter. Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' - Heavy Metal Switch Grass . Panicum 'Heavy Metal' has no toxic effects reported. *McKay Delivery - This shipping method can only be used when your delivery address is within 60 miles of Waterloo, Wisconsin. Once approved, we will issue you a credit for the total cost of the plant(s) invoiced from McKay Nursery. Quite handsome when used in groups. The start of their bloom means fall has officially arrived. This durable ornamental native grass has attractive, stiffly upright blue-gray foliage and attractive tan flowering sprays in late summer. In late summer airy tan/pink flowers appear in late Summer. Mature height of 4-5' is common if grown in a sunny, well drained site. When ripe, the seeds sometimes take on a pink or dull-purple tinge, and turn golden brown with the foliage of the plant in the fall. It’s a versatile grass that grows in a wide range of soils and climates. If it is moist, there is no need to water. Providing height, flow and dra… Will grow in part shade, but begins to lose its form in too much shade, growing more openly and possibly falling over. These work in water or bog gardens and along ponds. This outstanding selection forms a stiffly upright clump of powdery-blue leaves, bearing airy heads of tiny green flowers in late summer. Easily grown in average, medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Go to our "Plant Features & Video Tab" for more information on container plants and how to plant them. Leaf tips turn burgundy in the fall. Heavy Metal panic switchgrass Possibly the most widely planted native grass in America, Panicum virgatum is a reliable and attractive rhizomatous plant, supplying dense vertical structure that blows attractively in the breeze and bears delicate red seed heads above the stem starting in late summer. Switch grass 'Heavy Metal' Genus. Grows best in full sun and will flop over if grown in shade or overly rich soils. This upright grass is a medium size grass, maturing at 3-4' with a 1-2' spread. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a native, warm season grass that is an excellent replacement for invasive Chinese silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis). As an added bonus, the foliage turns a gorgeous … Usually attractive in the garden all winter long. Rotate the plant to the proper position. Deciduous. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a native prairie grass. The sizes listed below are not available for every product we offer. It grows best during the hot summer months. If it is dry, give it a good soaking with the hose end (no nozzle) watering the soil only, not the leaves. The same could be said for switch grass; both come alive and show their true colors beginning in late summer and lasting well into fall. Please log in or register. Our larger nursery stock like evergreens and shade trees will typically. Beyond the 6 week establishment period, water once per week, unless rains occur. From the team at Gardeners' World Magazine. The fall foliage is a tan-beige color, which looks beautiful in the landscape. "Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ is a favorite switchgrass, well-loved for its dramatic, metallic blue foliage and for its strong upright habit that remains stan Free shipping on all plant orders! Tolerates a wide range of soils, including dry ones, but prefers moist, sandy or clay soils. Since we grow all of our nursery stock our availability changes every year. With shovel or knife trim bottom 2" off of the root ball for plants in plastic containers. The loose and open panicles (pyramidal shaped seed heads) appear in August or September, and remain attractive all winter. Panicum Panicum. How do you know if your plants need water? Generally performs best in full sun. Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ is an attractive cultivar with glaucous, blue-green foliage topped with pink-green flowers in early autumn. The stiff upright metallic blue foliage turns yellow in fall and fades to tan in winter. Preparation. In addition, its extensive root system grows 5-6 feet deep, making it a great plant to assist with stabilizing banks. Once established, a switchgrass stand can survive for ten years or longer. Size: 4-6′ tall, 2-4′ wide 3. Spring 2021 advance ordering is now in effect. FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ is a switch grass selection with a dramatically vertical habit. Switch Grass was an important component of the Tall-grass Prairie that once covered much of the Great Plains. Stiffly erect blades are metallic blue-gray during the season, becoming yellow in autumn. Heavy Metal Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal') is a popular ornamental grass with blue/green foliage. In the perennial garden, autumn flowering sedums are as iconic as garden mums in fall. Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' Other names. May flop in overly rich soils. Plants typically take approximately 6 weeks to establish new roots in your soil. The 'Heavy Metal' switch grass has a striking metallic blue leaf color. The guarantee must be purchased at the time of checkout and cannot be added after your order has been completed. It looks fabulous planted in bold clumps that can sway in the breeze. This large, bunching grass grows 3-7 feet high and has a 2-3 foot spread. No reported toxicity to Several switchgrass cultivars are excellent plants for the home landscape. It is well-suited to the border. Box 185750 South Monroe St.Waterloo, WI 53594, Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ switchgrass. It looks fabulous planted in bold clumps that can sway in the breeze. Panicum Heavy Metal - Common name:Switch Grass, Panic Grass - Strongly vertical metallic-blue foliage will age to yellow in the fall. Plant database entry for Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal') with 15 images, 2 comments, and 23 data details. This grass grows in a wide variety of soil conditions from wet to average, and is drought tolerant, once established. Livestock, No reported toxicity to Special Features & Videos on Red Switchgrass, How to Trim Ornamental Grasses in their Dormancy. After the first season, plants should only be watered during extended periods without rain. Its metallic blue leaves turn bright yellow in the fall. Cats, No reported toxicity to It is common in Midwest prairies and is widespread in savannas of the Eastern United States. Variety or Cultivar 'Heavy Metal' _ 'Heavy Metal' is a dense, upright grass with blue-green foliage that turn yellow in autumn. Panicum Heavy Metal stems retain their upright … *Use Our Recommended Fertilizer. Full to partial sun. We can delivey any size, but typically this shipping method is used for oversize items that FedEx cannot ship. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. Plant… Birds, No reported toxicity to Cut back late in March if possible before new growth begins. One of the earliest Switchgrasses introduced to the trade like all the Panicums this is an important seed source to feed winter birds. Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass features airy plumes of rose flowers rising above the foliage in mid summer. Clumps to 3 ft. tall, 1 to 2 ft. wide. There are several switchgrass varieties to choose from and its high tolerance for different planting sites makes ornamental switchgrass a great choice for any landscape. Pink-tinted, airy blooms appear … Foliage turns golden in autumn and develops a … P.O. Pronunciation: PAN-ih-kum veer-GAH-tum Panicum virgatumis a native to the North American tall grass prairies. Loose, broad, weeping plumes of purple-green spikelets, bloom stalks rise above the foliage. This ornamental grass can be used in mass or as a specimen in the landscape. Beginning in late summer or early fall, delicate pink panicles dance 12-16" above the foliage. Seasonal interest: August to wi… Avoid the use of freshly chipped or shredded wood for mulch until it has cured in a pile for at least 6 months, a year is better. Later in autumn, the foliage turns a lovely golden-yellow colour. Some of the taller Switch grasses can become floppy, but 'Heavy Metal' is shorter and the foliage is very upright. There is a slight pinkish tinge flower panicles that could bring the plant to a 6’ height when in bloom and form a visual cloud at the top. As an added bonus, the foliage turns a gorgeous orange in the fall. Its attractive grassy leaves are steel blue in color. Tolerates occasional flooding. The easiest way to tell is to touch the soil around the roots. Excel Download PDF Download 1 (800) 203-8590 or Contact Us Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ is a favorite switchgrass, well-loved for its dramatic, metallic blue foliage and for its strong upright habit that remains standing straight and tall. Heavy Metal switchgrass is a medium-sized, upright ornamental grass. Foliage and stems are erect with metallic blue blades. It has red-purple flower plumes and seed heads from summer to early winter. In autumn, pink flowers are formed and the fall leaf color is yellow. Division. Foliage. The brick red seed heads are carried on showy plumes displayed in abundance from late summer to mid fall. Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal') is well named. For example, perennials will typically only be offered in a #1 container size. It's an outstanding selection of Panicum. Clump-forming, Dense, Erect In summer airy pinkish flower panicles seem to dance in the evening light. Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' Switchgrass 'Heavy Metal' Switchgrass has blue-green foliage that is very upright, with attractive seedheads appearing in July and lasting throughout the winter. Its attractive grassy leaves are steel blue in colour. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. As an added bonus, the foliage turns a gorgeous orange in the fall. The airy, pink-tinged flower spikes rise only about a foot or two above the foliage. Green flowers bloom in late summer to mid fall. Shipping and handling charges are not covered under the guarantee and are the responsibility of the purchaser. The inconspicuous flowers with burgundy anthers and stigmas dangle from the well-branched panicles. This beautiful ornamental grass has a metallic-blue foliage and a columnar form. Cut back clumps to the ground in late winter to early spring. This guarantee does not cover plants that have been destroyed by failure to properly care for the plant, weather, livestock or other animals, drought, insecticides or herbicides, fires, floods, or other neglect. Herbaceous. It is typically found in moist sites, such as along the banks of streams, and grows 3 to 6 feet tall. McKay will hand delivery your nursery stock. Panicum 'Heavy Metal' has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK. Switch grass blooms in mid-summer. Water well to settle soil around the root ball. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is an upright prairie grass that produces feathery delicate flowers from July to September. Late summer seed fronds tipped in copper persist for stunning winter interest. This variety is one of the very best Panicum and difficult to find. 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