Overview
Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' is a tufted grass like in the genus Panicum, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' 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
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 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 'Northwind'
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soils; drought tolerant once established; minimal maintenance required; suitable for naturalistic and prairie-style plantings.
- Pruning
- Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to encourage fresh shoots.
- Propagation
- Seed, Division in mid-spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'?
Prefers full sun and well-drained soils; drought tolerant once established; minimal maintenance required; suitable for naturalistic and prairie-style plantings.
Where is the best place to plant Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'?
Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' need?
Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' 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 well-drained.
How do I prune Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'?
Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to encourage fresh shoots.
How big does Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' grow?
Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' hardy in the UK?
Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' 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 'Northwind'?
Seed, Division in mid-spring.
More in the Panicum genus
- Panicum 'Cloud Nine'Panicgrass
- Panicum Virgatum 'Blue Giants'Panicgrass
- Panicum virgatum 'Squaw'Switchgrass
- Panicum 'Cape Breeze'Panicgrass