Plant database entry for Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal') with 15 images, 2 comments, and 23 data details. Plants typically take approximately 6 weeks to establish new roots in your soil. Coldest zone:4 4. Panicum Panicum. Plant… The brick red seed heads are carried on showy plumes displayed in abundance from late summer to mid fall. Birds, No reported toxicity to 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. It's an outstanding selection of Panicum. Our plants are guaranteed to arrive in excellent, viable condition. Our larger nursery stock like evergreens and shade trees will typically. Choosing a Variety and Planting Spot Pick a switchgrass variety. We can delivey any size, but typically this shipping method is used for oversize items that FedEx cannot ship. The fall foliage is a tan-beige color, which looks beautiful in the landscape. Mature height of 4-5' is common if grown in a sunny, well drained site. The sizes listed below are not available for every product we offer. The stiff, metallic powdery blue blades of Panicum virgatum 'Heavy metal' distinguish this native North American switch grass. For best results, grow Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ in full sun in well-drained soil. In fall Heavy Metal Switch Grass get's attractive yellow, red and orange fall foliage. 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. This variety is one of the very best Panicum and difficult to find. Switch grass 'Heavy Metal' Genus. 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. For example, perennials will typically only be offered in a #1 container size. *McKay Delivery - This shipping method can only be used when your delivery address is within 60 miles of Waterloo, Wisconsin. These foliage turns a yellow in autumn and a tan-beige in winter. Late summer seed fronds tipped in copper persist for stunning winter interest. The fall foliage is a yellow, which looks beautiful in the landscape. Its attractive grassy leaves are steel blue in color. Easily grown in average, medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. It looks fabulous planted in bold clumps that can sway in the breeze. P.O. Its metallic blue leaves turn bright yellow in the fall. As an added bonus, the foliage turns a gorgeous orange in the fall. Beyond the 6 week establishment period, water once per week, unless rains occur. ‘Heavy Metal’ from late spring (L) to summer (LC), with colorful fall color (RC) and dry, tan foliage in winter (R). It grows best during the hot summer months. In the perennial garden, autumn flowering sedums are as iconic as garden mums in fall. In autumn, pink flowers are formed and the fall … Its attractive grassy leaves are steel blue in colour. Tolerates a wide range of soils, including dry ones, but prefers moist, sandy or clay soils. "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! Dig a hole no deeper than the depth of the container and 6" or more wider on the sides. Clumps to 3 ft. tall, 1 to 2 ft. wide. It is well-suited to the border. Since we grow all of our nursery stock our availability changes every year. Adjust the plant height so the root crown is slightly higher than the ground. Clump-forming, Dense, Erect They give the switch grass its distinctive swishing sound when moved by the breeze. 1. With shovel or knife trim bottom 2" off of the root ball for plants in plastic containers. Preparation. The brick red seed heads are carried on showy plumes displayed in abundance from late summer to mid fall. Foliage turns golden in autumn and develops a … In early fall, light and airy pink seedheads develop before the leaves turn yellow, adding height to the clump. In autumn, pink flowers are formed and the fall leaf color is yellow. See our instructional video on pruning ornamental grasses in the landscape on our “videos” tab. Habit. 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. Once established, a switchgrass stand can survive for ten years or longer. Grow it in full sun and a little on the dry side to bring out the metallic color of the foliage. It’s a versatile grass that grows in a wide range of soils and climates. Later in autumn, the foliage turns a lovely golden-yellow colour. Usually attractive in the garden all winter long. As an added bonus, the foliage turns a gorgeous orange in the fall. After the first season, plants should only be watered during extended periods without rain. Panicum Heavy Metal stems retain their upright … Go to our "Plant Features & Video Tab" for more information on container plants and how to plant them. Water well to settle soil around the root ball. Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ is an attractive cultivar with glaucous, blue-green foliage topped with pink-green flowers in early autumn. There is a one-time only replacement policy for plants that have been purchased with a guarantee   We do require a photo sent via email to [email protected] noting the plant condition before any credit is issued. 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 summer airy pinkish flower panicles seem to dance in the evening light. One of the earliest Switchgrasses introduced to the trade like all the Panicums this is an important seed source to feed winter birds. It has red-purple flower plumes and seed heads from summer to early winter. Loose, broad, weeping plumes of purple-green spikelets, bloom stalks rise above the foliage. No reported toxicity to Seasonal interest: August to wi… Heavy Metal switchgrass is a medium-sized, upright ornamental grass. Dogs, No reported toxicity to Leaf tips turn burgundy in the fall. Panicum 'Heavy Metal' has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK. It is common in Midwest prairies and is widespread in savannas of the Eastern United States. Grows primarily in clumps, but will slowly spread by slightly creeping rhizomes. Heavy Metal Switch Grass Growing and Maintenance Tips. Switch grass blooms in mid-summer. Several switchgrass cultivars are excellent plants for the home landscape. Once approved, we will issue you a credit for the total cost of the plant(s) invoiced from McKay Nursery. Back-fill the hole with soil, making sure the top of the root ball is visible and slightly higher than the soil around it. How do you know if your plants need water? Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass features airy plumes of rose flowers rising above the foliage in mid summer. Heavy Metal Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal') is a popular ornamental grass with blue/green foliage. Heavy Metal Switch Grass is a dense fast-growing ornamental grass native to the prairies of North America. Size: 4-6′ tall, 2-4′ wide 3. Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' Common name: Heavy Metal switch grass Description: warm season; sod forming (slow spreader) Foliage - upright; blue-green; medium blade width; 70-125 cm (28-50") Flowers - Aug-Sept; 125-150 cm (50-60") 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. It's an outstanding selection of Panicum. Apply a 1 to 2" layer of cured, shredded wood mulch or bark or pine straw, around your newly planted switch grass. Deciduous. ‘Heavy Metal’ is a dense, upright plant with metallic blue foliage. Stiffly erect blades are metallic blue-gray during the season, becoming yellow in autumn. It should be … In late summer airy tan/pink flowers appear in late Summer. The guarantee must be purchased at the time of checkout and cannot be added after your order has been completed. Leaf tips turn burgundy in the fall. *Use Our Recommended Fertilizer. Our guarantee only applies to plants that have been planted in a zone recommended for that plant. Plant these in the accent, group or mass or as a small screen. There is a one-time only replacement policy for plants that have been purchased with a guarantee   We do require a photo sent via email to. Beginning in late summer or early fall, delicate pink panicles dance 12-16" above the foliage. Pink-tinted, airy blooms appear … Leave the seedheads and foliage alone until February to provide winter interest, then cut right back to make way for new growth. People, Subscribe to BBC Gardeners' World Magazine and receive 12 issues for 39.99 - saving 39%. 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. Switchgrass is both a perennial and self-seeding crop, which means farmers do not have to plant and reseed after annual harvesting. Panicum 'Heavy Metal' has no toxic effects reported. Generally performs best in full sun. Rotate the plant to the proper position. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. Cats, No reported toxicity to Please log in or register. Foliage. Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' Other names. 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. Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ is an attractive cultivar with glaucous, blue-green foliage topped with pink-green flowers in early autumn. It has a very upright, erect growth habit and will not fall over in a heavy rain. Shipping and handling charges are not covered under the guarantee and are the responsibility of the purchaser. The loose, broad, weeping plumes of purple-green spikelets, bloom stalks rise above the foliage. The ‘Heavy Metal’ switchgrass has a striking metallic blue leaf color. Cut back clumps to the ground in late winter to early spring. This large, bunching grass grows 3-7 feet high and has a 2-3 foot spread. Planting & Care for Switchgrass. The loose and open panicles (pyramidal shaped seed heads) appear in August or September, and remain attractive all winter. It has a very upright, erect growth habit and will not fall over in a heavy rain. 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. Pronunciation: PAN-ih-kum veer-GAH-tum Panicum virgatumis a native to the North American tall grass prairies. In addition, its extensive root system grows 5-6 feet deep, making it a great plant to assist with stabilizing banks. The loose and open panicles (pyramidal shaped seed heads) appear in August or September, and remain attractive all winter. Switch Grass was an important component of the Tall-grass Prairie that once covered much of the Great Plains. In gardens, it’s particularly valued for the upright foliage, masses of hazy flowers in early autumn followed by gorgeous autumn colour. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a native prairie grass. Panicum virgatum, commonly known as switchgrass, is a perennial, deciduous grass native to the prairies of North America. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a native, warm season grass that is an excellent replacement for invasive Chinese silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis). If it is moist, there is no need to water. 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. 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. The substitute plant will be shipped at the proper time of year to ensure appropriate planting guides are met. As an added bonus, the foliage turns a gorgeous … Bred from the native species, it was selected for its metallic-blue leaves. McKay will hand delivery your nursery stock. For a knockout combination plant several of these with Inula racemosa 'Sonnenspeer'. Livestock, No reported toxicity to From the team at Gardeners' World Magazine. Spring 2021 advance ordering is now in effect. Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass features airy plumes of rose flowers rising above the foliage in mid summer. Green flowers bloom in late summer to mid fall. Variety or Cultivar 'Heavy Metal' _ 'Heavy Metal' is a dense, upright grass with blue-green foliage that turn yellow in autumn. If you look for switchgrass at your … only come in large B&B (balled & burlap) sizes only. Should you purchase a plant that is no longer available and has been approved for full credit we reserve the right to offer a similar substitution. 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. This durable ornamental native grass has attractive, stiffly upright blue-gray foliage and attractive tan flowering sprays in late summer. 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. Place fertilizer packets into the bottom of the hole (if purchased). If it is dry, give it a good soaking with the hose end (no nozzle) watering the soil only, not the leaves. Cut back late in March if possible before new growth begins. Never lift or move plants by the tops. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Full to partial sun. Box 185750 South Monroe St.Waterloo, WI 53594, Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ switchgrass. Later in autumn, the foliage turns a lovely golden-yellow colour. The inconspicuous flowers with burgundy anthers and stigmas dangle from the well-branched panicles. Tolerates occasional flooding. Panicum Heavy Metal - Common name:Switch Grass, Panic Grass - Strongly vertical metallic-blue foliage will age to yellow in the fall. Firm the soil around the plant. Special Features & Videos on Red Switchgrass, How to Trim Ornamental Grasses in their Dormancy. Slide plant from pot by tapping on the bottom of the pot. Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal') is well named. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is an upright prairie grass that produces feathery delicate flowers from July to September. Some of the taller Switch grasses can become floppy, but 'Heavy Metal' is shorter and the foliage is very upright. This beautiful ornamental grass has a metallic-blue foliage and a columnar form. The start of their bloom means fall has officially arrived. Best growing conditions:full sun; adapts to a wide range of soil conditions 2. FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ is a switch grass selection with a dramatically vertical habit. The green foliage has yellow and pink tips throughout the summer. Heavy Metal Switch Grass features airy plumes of rose flowers rising above the foliage in mid summer. The easiest way to tell is to touch the soil around the roots. It is typically found in moist sites, such as along the banks of streams, and grows 3 to 6 feet tall. Quite handsome when used in groups. Grows best in full sun and will flop over if grown in shade or overly rich soils. An upright variety of Panicum, the strong stems of 'Heavy Metal' never flop or lean, even in heavy rains. This outstanding selection forms a stiffly upright clump of powdery-blue leaves, bearing airy heads of tiny green flowers in late summer. Horses, No reported toxicity to Division. Herbaceous. This upright grass is a medium size grass, maturing at 3-4' with a 1-2' spread. Its attractive grassy leaves are steel blue in color. It looks fabulous planted in bold clumps that can sway in the breeze. The 'Heavy Metal' switch grass has a striking metallic blue leaf color. May flop in overly rich soils. Foliage and stems are erect with metallic blue blades. Only registered users can write reviews. The airy, pink-tinged flower spikes rise only about a foot or two above the foliage. This grass grows in a wide variety of soil conditions from wet to average, and is drought tolerant, once established. The stiff upright metallic blue foliage turns yellow in fall and fades to tan in winter. It was an important part of the tall grass prairie that once covered the interior of the United States. Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' - Heavy Metal Switch Grass . These work in water or bog gardens and along ponds. The fall foliage is a tan-beige color, which looks beautiful in the landscape. The Grass 'Heavy Metal Switch Grass', Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal', is also known as Blue Switch Grass. This ornamental grass can be used in mass or as a specimen in the landscape.