top of page

  

PLANT FINDER
ornamental grass

Northwind Switch Grass

Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'

Add To My Plant List

Northwind Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum 'Northwind') at Wallitsch Garden Center

Northwind Switch Grass

Northwind Switch Grass

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Northwind Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum 'Northwind') at Wallitsch Garden Center

Northwind Switch Grass in fall

Northwind Switch Grass in fall

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Northwind Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum 'Northwind') at Wallitsch Garden Center

Northwind Switch Grass in bloom

Northwind Switch Grass in bloom

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  5 feet

Spread:  3 feet

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  3

Ornamental Features

Northwind Switch Grass features airy plumes of rose flowers rising above the foliage in mid summer. Its attractive grassy leaves are olive green in color. As an added bonus, the foliage turns a gorgeous gold in the fall. The brick red seed heads are carried on showy plumes displayed in abundance from late summer to mid fall. The tan stems can be quite attractive.

Landscape Attributes

Northwind Switch Grass is an herbaceous perennial grass with a rigidly upright and towering form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cut back to the ground in late winter before active growth resumes. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Northwind Switch Grass is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Accent
  • Vertical Accent
  • Mass Planting
  • General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Northwind Switch Grass will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 feet. It tends to be leggy, with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, and should be underplanted with lower-growing perennials. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 15 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under typical garden conditions. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for alkaline soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selection of a native North American species. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight Soil pH Preference
Characteristics
Accent  Articulation  Massing  Garden 
Applications
Flowers  Fruit  Foliage Color  Fall Color  Texture  Plant Form  Bark 
Ornamental Features

Disclaimer - This Plant Finder tool is an online resource representing many of the varieties that we carry over the course of the season, and is intended for informational purposes only. Inventory varies seasonally, so we cannot guarantee that every plant will be in stock at all times - please contact the store directly for availability. Additionally, the Plant Finder tool does not include our entire inventory of plants, so be sure to visit our store to see varieties that may not be represented on this list.

Contact Us!

Address: 2608 Hikes Ln Louisville, KY

Phone: 1-502-454-3553

Email: askus@wallitsch.net

Hours of Operation

Monday- Saturday: 9:00am - 5:00pm

Sunday : 11:00am - 5:00pm

​

  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
bottom of page