Panicum virgatum 'Rubrum' (switch grass 'Rubrum') — Perennial grass

Overview

Panicum virgatum 'Rubrum' is a perennial grass in the genus Panicum, part of the Q43238 family. It typically grows around 1.8 m tall. Panicum virgatum 'Rubrum' grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include ornamental grass, borders and naturalized areas. It is native to North America.

About

Panicum virgatum 'Rubrum' is a perennial grass forming upright clumps to about 1.8 m. It favours full sun and tolerates sandy to loamy soils that are well-drained or moist but well-drained. Native to North America, it is grown as an ornamental grass for borders and naturalised areas. Flowering occurs from July to September.

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

In the garden

Panicum virgatum 'Rubrum' is a perennial bunching grass from North America that reaches roughly 1.8 m and provides clear vertical structure in the border. The cultivar is used primarily as an ornamental grass where height and movement are required, and it suits schemes that copy naturalised or prairie planting. Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot; the cultivar requires full sun and prefers sandy to loamy soils that drain freely or remain moist without waterlogging. Its UK hardiness is H2 (half-hardy), so it performs best in milder winter areas or where some winter protection is available; in colder sites consider planting against a warm wall or providing mulch over the crown. The listed USDA zones (10–12) indicate it tolerates quite warm climates, so winter care matters in cooler regions. Panicum virgatum 'Rubrum' works well at the back of mixed borders, in groups for a meadow effect, or in naturalised beds where its height provides background structure. It flowers from July to September, which gives late-summer vertical emphasis and seasonal movement as wind passes through the clumps.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Panicum

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy
Soil moisture: Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Exposure: Full sun
UK hardiness: H2

Plant details

Panicum virgatum 'Rubrum' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial grass
Height: 1.8 m
Suggested uses: Ornamental grass, Borders, Naturalized areas
Native to: North America

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Panicum virgatum 'Rubrum'

Cultivation: Prefers full sun and well-drained soils; tolerates drought once established
Pruning: Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins
Propagation: Division, Seed