Hot Rod Switch Grass
Panicum virgatum
PAN-ih-kum ver-GAY-tum
Perennials: Ornamental grass
Switch Grass
Zone
4: -30° to -20°
Min. Temp
Frost Tolerant: 24°
This cultivar goes from blue to red faster and earlier than any other, the upright foliage starts out blue-green and then turns to deep maroon earlier in the season than most switch grasses, the maroon color intensifies as the season progresses. Medium tall clumping grass with rigid upright stems.
Appearance
Summer Foliage
Blue-Green
Fall Foliage
Green
Blooming Time
Late Summer - Fall
Habit
Upright
Height
3–4 ft
Spread
2–3 ft
Form
Panicle
Characteristics
Type
Cultivar
Safety
Non-toxic
Growth Rate
Moderate
Tolerance/Resistance
Drought Tolerant, Cold Hardy
Attracts
Doesn't Attract Beneficials
Uses/Placement
Massed
Optimal Growing Conditions
Sun Exposure
Full Sun: 8-12 hrs
Soil Texture
Adaptable
Soil Drainage
Adaptable
Soil Moisture
Dry to Average
Soil PH
Neutral: 6.5-7.0
PH Tolerance
Prefers slightly acidic soil
Soil Amendment(s)
Compost
Fertilizer
Minimal Fertilizer Needed
Fertilizer Formula
Balanced Fertilizer
Fertilizer Timing
Pre-Bloom
Micronutrients
Trace Minerals Beneficial
Care
Care Level
Very Low
Behavior and Propagation
Spreading
Moderate Spreader
Propagation Method
Wind Pollinated
Propagation Licensing
Plant Patent (PP)
Division Timing
Spring Division