One of the best vertical varieties of switch grasses, Panicum virgatum Northwind is a deciduous, perennial grass of architectural distinction. It forms a dense, strongly upright, narrow clump of olive-green to blue-green foliage, which gets topped in late summer with a profusion of finely-textured, golden flower spikes which hover over the foliage like an airy cloud. Both flowers and foliage turn beige in fall and usually remain attractive in the garden all winter long. Like many North American prairie grasses, switch grass is a long-lived, warm-season grower. Quite sturdy, even when dry or dormant, it stands through winter (unless your area enjoys heavy snow falls), providing essential cover for birds. Typically grows in narrow clumps, up to 4-6 ft tall and 24-30 in. wide. Welcomed in any garden style, it is versatile and can be used in groups or en masse. It is ideal in borders where it provides texture, color and contrast. Excellent choice for prairies, wild gardens, along ponds and stream or in naturalized areas. Performs best in full sun in average, medium to wet, well-drained soils. Tolerates part shade, but will lose its upright form in too much shade and may fall over. Tolerates a wide range of soils, including dry soils, but prefers moist, sandy or clay soils.
