Panicum, Switchgrass 'Dewey Blue Bitter'

Description:

Native to coastlines that are sunny, sandy, dry, and infertile, so this ornamental grass does best in these conditions; will also thrive in average to loamy soils if there is good drainage; very wind and salt tolerant

Ornamental Features

Dewey Blue Bitter Switchgrass features airy plumes of tan flowers rising above the foliage in late summer. Its attractive grassy leaves are steel blue in color. As an added bonus, the foliage turns a gorgeous gold in the fall. The tan 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

Dewey Blue Bitter Switchgrass is an herbaceous perennial grass with an upright spreading habit of growth. 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.

Dewey Blue Bitter Switchgrass is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Mass Planting
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Dewey Blue Bitter Switchgrass 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.

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is particular about its soil conditions, with a strong preference for sandy, 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.

* Not all container sizes may be available at this time. See store for details on specific container size availability.