Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'

Northwind Switchgrass

This plant is not currently for sale. This is an archive page preserved for informational use.

Shop Available Panicum
Write a review
| Ask a Question

Item #: 2923

Zones: 3a to 9b

Dormancy: Winter

Height: 60" tall

Culture: Sun

Origin: United States

Pot Size: 2 qt. (1.9 L)


Panicum 'Northwind', from Wisconsin nurseryman, Roy Diblik of Northwind Perennial Farm is the best known selection of the US native (Canada south to Florida) Panicum virgatum. The wide, olive-green foliage makes a strong vertical, 5' tall accent in the sun garden. This vigorous deer-resistant grower is topped in September with attractive narrow plumes held incredibly erect atop the foliage. Everyone who sees Panicum 'Northwind' rates it as one of the best!

Maintenance:

Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' is a low maintenance perennial when grown in full, bright sun. The only maintenance needed in the garden is to cut the old foliage to the ground in late winter/early spring, just before the new foliage begins to emerge.

Growing Conditions:

Panicum virgatum cultivars grow well in a wide range of conditions from moist soils to very dry soils. Northwind switchgrass also grows in both acidic and alkaline soils. The other for being successful with switchgrass is full bright sun for more than 4 hours a day.

If your 'Northwind' clumps get too large, they can be divided, which is best done in fall and winter after they have been cutback.

Natural Impact:

Panicum virgatum is frequented by butterflies and birds, and is the larval host of several skippers (butterfly relatives).