Overview
Panicum 'Cloud Nine' is a ornamental grass in the genus Panicum, part of the Poaceae family. Panicum 'Cloud Nine' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, containers and cut flowers.
About
Panicum 'Cloud Nine' is an ornamental grass cultivar in the genus Panicum, within the grass family Poaceae. It produces its floral display in the UK from July to September. Plants are used primarily for their summer flowerheads and seasonal structure. The cultivar is handled like other garden panic grasses when establishing and maintaining.
About the genus
Panicum, commonly called panicgrass, is a large genus of about 250 species of grasses mostly native to tropical regions.
Wikipedia contributors, "Panicum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Panicum
In the garden
Panicum 'Cloud Nine' belongs to the grass family Poaceae and sits within the Panicum group of ornamental grasses. In the UK it comes into bloom between July and September, making it a summer-flowering presence in the border. The name identifies it as a cultivated selection of Panicum rather than a wild species. Treat 'Cloud Nine' as a garden panic grass: allow room for a clump to develop and position where its summer flowerheads will be visible. Observe seasonal growth and remove old foliage or spent stems before fresh shoots appear in spring; many gardeners also refresh plants by dividing congested clumps. These straightforward, hands-on tasks keep plants vigorous without specialist equipment. Use this cultivar where a summer grass effect is desired — for example at the rear of a mixed border, planted in groups to form a textural backdrop, or where its flowering period can be showcased. Expect the plant's key seasonal feature to be its display between July and September, which is the period when it contributes most to the summer garden.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Panicum
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Panicum 'Cloud Nine' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- ornamental grass
- Suggested uses
- borders, containers, cut flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Panicum 'Cloud Nine'
- Cultivation
- Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Water regularly during establishment. Cut back old foliage in early spring.
- Pruning
- Cut back old foliage in early spring before new growth emerges.
- Propagation
- division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Panicum 'Cloud Nine'?
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Water regularly during establishment. Cut back old foliage in early spring.
Where is the best place to plant Panicum 'Cloud Nine'?
Panicum 'Cloud Nine' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Panicum 'Cloud Nine' need?
Panicum 'Cloud Nine' grows best in well-drained soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Panicum 'Cloud Nine'?
Cut back old foliage in early spring before new growth emerges.
Is Panicum 'Cloud Nine' hardy in the UK?
Panicum 'Cloud Nine' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Panicum 'Cloud Nine'?
Division.
More in the Panicum genus
- Panicum Virgatum 'Blue Giants'Panicgrass
- Panicum virgatum 'Squaw'Switchgrass
- Panicum 'Cape Breeze'Panicgrass