Overview
Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' is a columnar upright, tufted grass like in the genus Panicum, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, prairie planting, wildlife gardens, cut flowers and flower borders and beds. It is native to North America.
About
Panicum virgatum, commonly known as switchgrass and panic grass, is a perennial warm season bunchgrass native to North America, where it occurs naturally from 55°N latitude in Canada southwards into the United States and Mexico. Switchgrass is one of the dominant species of the central North American tallgrass prairie and can be found in remnant prairies, in native grass pastures, and naturalized along roadsides.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Panicum virgatum
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Panicum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- North America
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soils; tolerant of drought once established; benefits from division every few years to maintain vigor.
- Pruning
- Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Propagation
- Seed, Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Slugs, Snails, Vine weevil
- Disease resistance
- Rust, Crown rot
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'?
Prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soils; tolerant of drought once established; benefits from division every few years to maintain vigor.
Where is the best place to plant Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'?
Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' need?
Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'?
Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
How big does Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' grow?
Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' hardy in the UK?
Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' 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 virgatum 'Heavy Metal'?
Seed, Division in spring.
More in the Panicum genus
- Panicum 'Cloud Nine'Panicgrass
- Panicum Virgatum 'Blue Giants'Panicgrass
- Panicum virgatum 'Squaw'Switchgrass
- Panicum 'Cape Breeze'Panicgrass