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. Grows primarily in clumps, but will slowly spread by slightly creeping rhizomes. The 'Heavy Metal' switch grass has a striking metallic blue leaf color. It was an important part of the tall grass prairie that once covered the interior of the United States. The fall foliage is a tan-beige color, which looks beautiful in the landscape. Preparation. The easiest way to tell is to touch the soil around the roots. Herbaceous. Late summer seed fronds tipped in copper persist for stunning winter interest. Mature height of 4-5' is common if grown in a sunny, well drained site. Later in autumn, the foliage turns a lovely golden-yellow colour. P.O. In fall Heavy Metal Switch Grass get's attractive yellow, red and orange fall foliage. If it is dry, give it a good soaking with the hose end (no nozzle) watering the soil only, not the leaves. These foliage turns a yellow in autumn and a tan-beige in winter. An upright variety of Panicum, the strong stems of 'Heavy Metal' never flop or lean, even in heavy rains. The airy, pink-tinged flower spikes rise only about a foot or two above the foliage. These work in water or bog gardens and along ponds. Once established, a switchgrass stand can survive for ten years or longer. Go to our "Plant Features & Video Tab" for more information on container plants and how to plant them. Horses, No reported toxicity to Size: 4-6′ tall, 2-4′ wide 3. Usually attractive in the garden all winter long. In autumn, pink flowers are formed and the fall … Special Features & Videos on Red Switchgrass, How to Trim Ornamental Grasses in their Dormancy. Apply a 1 to 2" layer of cured, shredded wood mulch or bark or pine straw, around your newly planted switch grass. In addition, its extensive root system grows 5-6 feet deep, making it a great plant to assist with stabilizing banks. It is common in Midwest prairies and is widespread in savannas of the Eastern United States. 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. One of the earliest Switchgrasses introduced to the trade like all the Panicums this is an important seed source to feed winter birds. Once approved, we will issue you a credit for the total cost of the plant(s) invoiced from McKay Nursery. This large, bunching grass grows 3-7 feet high and has a 2-3 foot spread. It’s a versatile grass that grows in a wide range of soils and climates. The sizes listed below are not available for every product we offer. Clump-forming, Dense, Erect In gardens, it’s particularly valued for the upright foliage, masses of hazy flowers in early autumn followed by gorgeous autumn colour. It is typically found in moist sites, such as along the banks of streams, and grows 3 to 6 feet tall. "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! FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ is a switch grass selection with a dramatically vertical habit. It has red-purple flower plumes and seed heads from summer to early winter. Leaf tips turn burgundy in the fall. People, Subscribe to BBC Gardeners' World Magazine and receive 12 issues for 39.99 - saving 39%. This beautiful ornamental grass has a metallic-blue foliage and a columnar form. Our larger nursery stock like evergreens and shade trees will typically. Variety or Cultivar 'Heavy Metal' _ 'Heavy Metal' is a dense, upright grass with blue-green foliage that turn yellow in autumn. The Grass 'Heavy Metal Switch Grass', Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal', is also known as Blue Switch Grass. Its attractive grassy leaves are steel blue in color. Leaf tips turn burgundy in the fall. Box 185750 South Monroe St.Waterloo, WI 53594, Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ switchgrass. The stiff upright metallic blue foliage turns yellow in fall and fades to tan in winter. Providing height, flow and dra… Quite handsome when used in groups. From the team at Gardeners' World Magazine. Shipping and handling charges are not covered under the guarantee and are the responsibility of the purchaser. *McKay Delivery - This shipping method can only be used when your delivery address is within 60 miles of Waterloo, Wisconsin. Will grow in part shade, but begins to lose its form in too much shade, growing more openly and possibly falling over. The substitute plant will be shipped at the proper time of year to ensure appropriate planting guides are met. Tolerates occasional flooding. In the perennial garden, autumn flowering sedums are as iconic as garden mums in fall. The brick red seed heads are carried on showy plumes displayed in abundance from late summer to mid fall. Dig a hole no deeper than the depth of the container and 6" or more wider on the sides. 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. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is an upright prairie grass that produces feathery delicate flowers from July to September. Spring 2021 advance ordering is now in effect. Beyond the 6 week establishment period, water once per week, unless rains occur. Plant… If you look for switchgrass at your … May flop in overly rich soils. Heavy Metal Switch Grass Growing and Maintenance Tips. Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass features airy plumes of rose flowers rising above the foliage in mid summer. 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