Panicum virgatum 'Cloud Nine' (Giant Blue Switchgrass)

Sun to Part SunZone: 4-9 72" tall Origin: USA

This selection of native switchgrass from Maryland's defunct Bluemount Nursery must be a panicum on steroids! I first saw P. 'Cloud Nine' at Longwood Gardens, where visitors were gawking, snapping pictures, and making notes. The strongly growing, 6' tall, vertical clumps of metallic-blue foliage are topped by giant, reddish-brown, cloud-like plumes in late summer through fall. As the flowers fade, their sheer size causes the clump to billow out like an inebriated woman with big hair. I recommend some strong neighbors nearby for support if horizontal space is an issue...at least for the grass. This is one totally awesome...I'm running out of adjectives...INCREDIBLE grass!!! Pot size: 2 qt. (1.892 L)