Panicum virgatum 'Gunsmoke' PP 32,373
Gunsmoke Switchgrass
Item #: 16764
Zones: 4a to 8b, at least
Dormancy: Winter
Height: 54" tall
Origin: United States
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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).
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Other Attributes
Genus: Panicum
Flower Color: Brown/Tan , Pink
Leaf Color: Blue
Container Role: Thrillers
Garden Themes: Cottage Garden Plants
Other: Butterfly Attracting Plants , Cut Flower Plants , Deer Resistant Plants , Drought Tolerant Plants , Florida Native Plants , Georgia native plants , Pollinator Plants , North American Native Plants , North Carolina Native Plants , Ornamental Seed or Fruit , Rain Garden Plants , Salt Tolerant Seaside Plants , Texas Native Plants , Colored Foliage , United States Native Plants