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An attractive and unusual cultivar of a North American prairie grass, Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ is notable for its particularly upright clumps of steely, blue-grey leaves. From August to September, this bold, linear foliage is softened with a mass of hazy, cloud-like panicles of purplish pink flowers, bringing movement and an airy quality to your garden. Foliage turns a glorious golden yellow in autumn, before fading to buff. We like to leave this grass to provide structural form and a beneficial habitat for overwintering wildlife. Cut back just before new growth emerges in early spring. Mix with tall flowering perennials such as aster, echinacea and verbena, for a swaying, naturalistic effect. Prefers preferably light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. H: 1.2m S: 1m. Hardy deciduous perennial.
Flower and Foliage Months
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Key Information
| Latin Name | Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ 9cm pot |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Switch grass |
| Hardiness | H5 (-10 to -15°C) |
| Colour | Purple |
| Type | Perennial |
| Format | 9cm Pots |
| Position | Full-Sun |
| Foliage | Deciduous |
| Height in Maturity (m) | 1.20 m |
| Spread in Maturity (m) | 1.00 |
| AGM | Yes |
| Soil Conditions | Chalk Loam Sand |
| Soil Acidity | Acid Alkaline Neutral |
| Aspect | South-facing, West-facing |
| Drought Tolerant | Yes |
| Good for pots | Yes |
| Good for Rockeries | Yes |
| Good for wildlife | Yes |
| Good for cutting | Yes |
