• Image of Panicum virgatum 'Blue Fountain' PP 28,192 taken at Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC by JLBG
    Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC by JLBG
  • Image of Panicum virgatum 'Blue Fountain' PP 28,192 taken at Walters Gardens, MI by Walters Gardens
    Walters Gardens, MI by Walters Gardens
1 3

Panicum virgatum 'Blue Fountain' PP 28,192

Blue Fountain Switch Grass

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

Shop Available Panicum

Item #: 12961

Zones: 4a to 8b, at least

Dormancy: Winter

Height: 84" tall

Culture: Sun

Origin: United States

Pot Size: 2 qt. (1.9 L)


Panicum virgatum 'Blue Fountain' has been a standout in the trials of the new generation of improved switch grass selections. Panicum 'Blue Fountain' is a 2015 Walters Gardens introduction that forms a structurally rigid, 7' tall specimen of powder-blue foliage. Starting in midsummer, the top of the clump becomes a dense mass of tan plumes. We are so thankful that plant breeders are now paying attention to the need for tall, but narrow plants.

Maintenance:

Panicum virgatum 'Blue Fountain' 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. The tan color and structure of most Panicum virgatum clones remains quite good through the winter as a great design element.

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 Panicum 'Blue Fountain' 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).