Panicum virgatum 'Gunsmoke' PP 32,373

Gunsmoke Switchgrass

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Item #: 16764

Zones: 4a to 8b, at least

Dormancy: Winter

Height: 54" tall

Culture: Sun

Origin: United States

Pot Size: 2 qt. (1.9 L)


Regular price $24.00
Regular price Sale price $24.00
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Cue the theme song as a saddled-up James Arness gallops across the small screen. Well worthy of this immortal name is Walters Gardens 2020 introduction of the wonderful US native ornamental switchgrass. Selected after years of breeding and subsequent trials, Panicum virgatum 'Gunsmoke' tops out at 4.5' tall with gunsmoke, blue-grey leaves and a compact upright habit. Starting in late August, the clumps are topped with airy plumes of smoky purple...a great plant for "killer" combos in the summer garden.

Maintenance:

Panicum virgatum 'Gunsmoke' 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 'Gunsmoke' 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 skppers (butterfly relatives).