This vibrant native plant won’t need much upkeep to look gorgeous in your garden.
It spreads slowly over time and adds stunning vertical accents wherever it is planted.
This warm-season grass blooms in mid to late summer.
Peter Krumhardt.
Some varieties and cultivars have foliage that changes color in the fall.
Many of the recent introductions bring longer displays of colors with varieties in glowing red and burgundy.
In the winter, the dried flower heads bring texture to the garden, especially when dusted with snow.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
The only preparation most soils need is to be thoroughly cultivated to accommodate the long taproot.
It is quick to grow but slow to establish, and it reseeds prolifically.
Aheavy mulchwill reduce volunteer seedlings.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Seed may be a better choice than nursery plants when planting a large stand of switchgrass.
If usingcold stratifiedseed, sow the seed in the spring after the soil temperature reaches 60F.
If the seed hasn’t been stratified, plant it in late winter.
Credit: John Reed Forsman
When the weather warms, soak the seeds in water overnight before planting them.
Cover the seeds with a little soil but don’t pack it down.
Water the planting area and continue to water occasionally until the seeds germinate.
Credit: Denny Schrock
When the seedlings are 4 inches tall, thin them to the desired spacing.
Switchgrass Care Tips
Switchgrass is a relatively low-maintenance plant that requires little care to thrive.
Light
For the most vibrant colors, plant switchgrass in full sun.
Credit: Perry L. Struse
This prevents them from falling over, as many varieties can grow 6 feet or more.
Soil and Water
Switchgrass thrives in sandy soil with a fair amount of organic matter.
For the best results, keep it evenly moist and avoid planting insoggy, heavy clay soil.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Once established, switchgrass can handle droughts.
Some species and cultivars even tolerate salt spray.
Temperature and Humidity
Switchgrass is a perennial warm-weather plant.
Credit: Bill Stites
It goes dormant during the winter to survive the cold temperatures.
During the growing season, it thrives in a temperature range of 60F to 95F and prefers low-to-average humidity.
Fertilizer
Don’t worry about fertilizing.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
Switchgrass has an extensive root system that goes deep into the soil to get needed nutrients.
Excessive fertilization results in floppy plants.
As they get older, the centers of these plants may begin to die out.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
If this happens, dig up the plant and divide it to re-energize and continue its growth.
The plant has an extremely long tap root that eventually grows as long as 10 feet.
It isn’t a good candidate for extended container life.
After a year, it can be transplanted to the garden.
Several organic methods exist to control these unwelcome visitors.
When crowded or grown in too-soggy soil, the plants can encounter crown rot or root rot.
How to Propagate Switchgrass
The easiest way to propagate switchgrass is throughdivision.
The plants benefit from being divided every three years anyway.
Wait until the soil warms in spring to divide the plant; the roots need warm soil to develop.
Immediately replant the sections into pots filled with potting soil or directly in the garden.
Put the stem and head into a paper bag and place it in a warm place to dry.
This variety may reach 6 feet tall.
These plants form impressive upright columns up to 5 feet tall in bloom.
‘Shenandoah’ Switchgrass
Panicum virgatum’Shenandoah' is one of the reddest switchgrasses.
Its strong color shows itself by early to midsummer and becomes more intense as the season progresses.
It reaches 3 feet tall.
‘Northwind’ Switchgrass
Panicum virgatum’Northwind' was a Perennial Plant of the Year in 2014.
Tall varieties look especially appropriate among shrubs, which in turn provide support.
Add black-eyed Susans to wildflower meadows or native plant gardens for a naturalized look.
Average soil is sufficient for black-eyed Susans, but it should be able to hold moisture fairly well.
Not all asters are fall bloomers.
Extend the season by growing some of the summer bloomers, as well.
They offer a late pop of color when many gardens are languishing in the dog days.
Their narrow, bladed foliage provides vertical accents, much like gladiola leaves.
The tubular blossoms beckon hummingbirds, and the seedpods that persist into fall also attract feathered visitors.
Plant crocosmia bulbs in well-drained soil in fall or spring.
