PANICUM VIRGATUM NORTHWIND / NORTHWIND SWITCH GRASS

PANICUM VIRGATUM NORTHWIND / NORTHWIND SWITCH GRASS

Tall, Upright Grass with Striking Fall Color and Winter Interest

Panicum virgatum 'Northwind', commonly known as Northwind Switch Grass, is a tall, elegant ornamental grass renowned for its upright, columnar growth habit and impressive seasonal changes. This cultivar maintains a dense, vertical form throughout the growing season, providing a dramatic addition to landscapes. As the season progresses, the plant showcases stunning golden hues in the fall, and its seedheads offer year-round interest, making it a standout feature in any garden.

Why Choose Northwind Switch Grass?

• Upright, Columnar Shape: Its tall, narrow profile makes it perfect for adding vertical interest to landscapes or acting as a backdrop for smaller plants.
• Golden Fall Color: The grass transforms to a warm golden-yellow color in the fall, adding vibrant autumn tones to your garden.
• Winter Interest: The seedheads remain throughout the winter, providing structure and texture even after the growing season ends.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, this grass is drought-tolerant and requires little maintenance, making it ideal for low-maintenance gardens.

Key Features:

• Upright Growth: The columnar form of 'Northwind' makes it an ideal choice for narrow spaces or as a vertical accent in garden beds.
• Vibrant Fall Foliage: The grass transitions to golden-yellow tones in the fall, providing excellent seasonal interest.
• Feathery Seedheads: Late summer to fall brings airy, feathery seedheads that catch the light and add texture to the garden.
• Resilient & Low Maintenance: Once established, this grass thrives in a variety of soil conditions and is highly tolerant of drought.

Specifications:

• Plant Size: 5–6 feet tall, 2–3 feet wide.
• Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–9.
• Sunlight: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil, adaptable to a variety of soil types, including dry soils.

Ideal Uses:

• Tall Accent Planting: Its vertical form is perfect for accenting corners, creating screens, or filling in large spaces.
• Native Plant Gardens: As a native grass, it's perfect for prairie or meadow-style gardens and benefits pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• Fall Gardens: The golden-yellow fall color adds warmth and dimension, making it a great plant for autumn gardens.
• Winter Interest: The feathery seedheads persist throughout the winter, adding texture and movement to the landscape.

Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' is an outstanding ornamental grass that excels in providing year-round beauty with its upright form, golden fall color, and winter interest. Its ease of care and dramatic appearance make it a versatile choice for many garden styles, from native plantings to modern designs.