Switch grass Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' 5-10 pot P9

Size: Potmaat leidend

5-10cm

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Pot 9x9 cm (P9)

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In stock
- 5-10cm
  
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  Pot 9x9 cm (P9)
  
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  From 3.55
  
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  In stock
- 10-15cm
  
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  Pot 2 ltr. (C2)
  
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  From 9.70
  
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  Temporarily sold out

Number of m2

Nr. of plants

3.55

3.55 per piece

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Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' Can be planted now
Careful and fast delivery throughout the United Kingdom

Benefits according to our specialist

Plantable year-round
Pot grown
Low maintenance

Plant features
Description
Frequently Asked Questions
Planting and care
Packaging and shipping

Genus
Panicum (view all varieties)

Root type
Pot

Pot size
9x9 cm (P9)

Flowering months
August, September, October

Leaf colour
Brown, Red

Possibilities
Border, Group planting, Solitary

Soil type
All soil types, well-drained

Positioning
Semi-shade, Sun

Winter hardiness
-15,0°C / -9,4°C, USDA zone 7b/8a

Fruit-bearing plants
No

Water needs
Average water

Number of plants per m²
6

Evergreen plants
No

Leaf colour
Blue, Green

Fragrant plants
No

Growth habit
Upright to bushy growth habit

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
5-10

Mature height (cm)
120

Art. no.
1000864

Description

Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' | Switch grass

Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal', commonly known as switch grass, is a perennial grass that brings a unique metallic blue hue to any landscape. With its robust and vertical growth, this ornamental grass is a standout addition to gardens, offering a striking contrast to the various greens typically found in a plant border. Its name reflects not only the striking blue tones of its foliage but also its strong, upright growth habit, making it a true 'Heavy Metal' star in the garden world.

Key Features

Panicum 'Heavy Metal' exhibits a beautiful array of foliage colors throughout the seasons, transitioning from shades of grey, silver, and blue in spring and summer, to a vibrant yellow in autumn.
This variety of switch grass blooms from late summer into fall, producing delicate flowers that range in color from brown to red, and in autumn, the blooms take on hues of purple and green.
With an ultimate height of around 1.2 meters, 'Heavy Metal' is suitable for a variety of landscape uses, including as an accent plant in borders, in group plantings, or as a solitary feature.
Its drought-resistant nature ensures that this grass remains a low-maintenance option for gardeners.
The plant's growth form is upright to bushy, providing structure and movement within the garden.

Tips

To successfully cultivate Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal', choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade to ensure optimal growth.
While adaptable to all soil types, ensure that the soil is well-drained for the health of the plant.
This grass has an average water need, so it should be watered regularly, but be careful not to overwater.
Propagation through division is recommended in spring or autumn to rejuvenate the plant and encourage healthy new growth.
Remember that 'Heavy Metal' is deciduous, so it will lose its foliage in winter, but this also provides an opportunity to enjoy the architectural structure of its stems against the winter landscape.

Ideal placement of a Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'

Thriving best in full sun, Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' also tolerates partial shade, although its full potential in growth and color is best realized under the warmth of the sun. This ornamental grass prefers well-drained soil but is adaptable to a variety of soil types, displaying resilience and flexibility in different garden settings. Its preference for sun-drenched locations makes it ideal for open landscapes or as a striking feature in a sunny border, where its metallic blue leaves and airy flower panicles can catch the light, creating a luminous display from late summer into autumn.

How do I plant a Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'?

Planting Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' begins with selecting a location that receives full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil. This hardy grass thrives in a variety of soil types. Space the plants to accommodate their upright to bushy growth habit, allowing them to reach their mature height of 1.2 meters without crowding. Upon planting, water moderately to establish a strong root system. The plant is drought-resistant once established, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscapes. For optimal growth, planting should take place during the cooler months of spring or autumn.

Pruning a Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'

Pruning Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' is a straightforward process. It should be conducted in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut back the foliage to about 10 cm from the ground to allow for fresh, vibrant shoots to emerge. Pruning not only tidies up the appearance of the plant post-winter but also stimulates new growth, ensuring the plant maintains its upright, bushy growth habit. It's important not to prune during the fall, as the plant's autumn foliage offers aesthetic appeal through the winter months.

Watering a Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'

Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' thrives with average watering. Despite its drought-resistant nature, during the establishment period, ensure the soil is kept consistently moist to facilitate robust root development. Once established, the plant's watering needs decrease significantly, and it can tolerate drier conditions. However, during extended dry spells, it benefits from additional hydration. When watering, aim for the base of the plant to minimize moisture on the foliage, which can lead to optimal growth and maintain the striking coloration of the leaves throughout the growing seasons.

Fertilising a Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'

To ensure the robust growth and characteristic metallic blue foliage of Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal', a well-timed fertilization regimen is crucial. Fertilize once in early spring as new growth commences. Opt for a slow-release, balanced fertilizer that will provide a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing season. This not only supports the initial flush of foliage but also bolsters the plant's strength as it enters its flowering phase in late summer.

It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the amount of fertilizer, as over-fertilization can lead to excessive growth at the expense of the plant's structural integrity. Given the plant's adaptability to various soil types, a moderate approach to fertilization will suffice, ensuring the switch grass remains a resilient and striking feature in any planting arrangement.

The characteristics of a Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'

The 'Heavy Metal' variant of Panicum virgatum stands out with its metallic blue foliage, adding a unique texture and color to any garden. This ornamental grass thrives in a variety of soil conditions and is drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. As the seasons change, its foliage transforms into a striking display of autumnal colors, providing year-round interest. Furthermore, its upright growth habit allows it to serve as a natural privacy screen or as a graceful backdrop for other plants.

Separating/dividing a Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'

To ensure the robustness of Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal', division is recommended every few years. This process promotes vigorous growth and sustains the plant's health. Division should be carried out in spring or autumn when the plant is not in active growth. Carefully lift the plant from the soil, then gently separate it into smaller sections, each with adequate roots and shoots. Replant these divisions at the same soil depth they were originally growing, allowing ample space for future growth. Through division, this switch grass cultivar maintains its impressive upright to bushy growth habit and continues to thrive in garden settings.

What will be the height of Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'?

Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' typically reaches a height ranging from 50 centimeters to 1 meter.

What will be the width of Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'?

Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' will achieve a mature width ranging from 50 cm to 1 meter.

Which soil type is most suitable for the Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'?

Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' is adaptable to various soil types, but it thrives best in well-drained soil. This ensures that the plant's root system remains healthy and free from excess moisture, contributing to its overall vitality and growth.

What is the ideal positioning for the Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'?

The ideal location for Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' is a spot where it can be exposed to sunlight or partial shade. This plant thrives well in both sunny conditions and locations where the sun is partially filtered by other plants or structures.

What is the flowering colour of the Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'?

The flowers of Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' display a charming blend of brown and red hues, adding a unique and striking visual appeal to the plant.

Is the Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' hardy?

Certainly, Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' is considered winter hardy. It can endure temperatures ranging from -15.0°C to -9.4°C, falling within the USDA hardiness zones 7b to 8a. This indicates that the plant is well-equipped to withstand winter conditions in these respective zones.

Is the Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' evergreen?

Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' is not an evergreen plant. It goes through a seasonal cycle of losing its foliage during the autumn and regrowing it in the spring.

What is the growth strength of the Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'?

Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' typically takes between two and five years to reach its ultimate height, signifying a moderate yet steady growth rate.

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