Panicum virgatum 'Ruby Ribbons' PP 17,944

Panicum 'Ruby Ribbons' came about thanks to the breeding program of University of Connecticut's plant breeder, Dr. Mark Brand. His deer-resistant hybrid (Panicum 'Heavy Metal' x Panicum 'Hans Herme') produces a 4' tall, upright specimen emerging with blue-grey foliage that begins taking on a burgundy-red hue as early as midsummer. The foliage color intensifies as the season progresses, serving as a nice foil when the clumps are topped with airy 4' tall flower spikes in late summer, which dry and last well into the winter. The plant was actually named with the invalid and stupid cultivar name 'RR1', so we have made their trade name the official cultivar name.