About
Panicum Virgatum 'Blue Giants' is a cultivated form of panicgrass (genus Panicum) grown for its upright flowering panicles. It flowers from July to September. The blooms develop into seed-bearing panicles that often remain on the plant into the autumn and winter. The cultivar is used where tall grass inflorescences are required for seasonal structure.
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 Virgatum 'Blue Giants' belongs to the genus Panicum, a large group of grasses often referred to as panicgrass. Members of this genus characteristically produce well-developed flowering panicles that bear numerous seeds, and this cultivar follows that pattern with a clear flowering season from July to September. Expect the plant to make its visual impact through its flowering display and subsequent seedheads. The upright panicles form during the summer months and then ripen to produce many small seeds; those seed-bearing structures often persist beyond the main flowering window and can contribute winter structure to the border. Planting several individuals together emphasises the architectural effect of the flowering stems. After the flowering period you can choose whether to leave the seedheads for winter interest and wildlife value or to cut back the stems before new growth begins. Where long-lasting summer and autumn stems are wanted, delay cutting until late winter or early spring; removing old stems at that time clears space for fresh shoots. Sourcing plants from specialist perennial or grass suppliers will provide cultivar-specific advice on establishment and handling for your site.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Panicum genus
- Panicum 'Cloud Nine'Panicgrass
- Panicum virgatumswitch grass
- Panicum virgatum 'Rubrum'switch grass 'Rubrum'
- Panicum virgatum 'Squaw'Switchgrass
- Panicum 'Cape Breeze'Panicgrass