What’s a Garden Map?
Ready-made flower bed designs, printed on a high-quality landscaping fabric for a hassle-free DIY experience.
Products coming soon!
Shop Flower Gardens
Family: Switch Grass
Type: Ornamental grass
Northwind Switchgrass, scientifically known as Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’, is a robust and upright ornamental grass. It is renowned for its striking vertical lines and olive-green to blue-green foliage.
This perennial grass is characterized by its sturdy stems and dense, upright growth habit. It produces airy flower panicles in late summer that add a soft, textured look.
Hardy in zones 4-9, Northwind Switchgrass is an excellent choice for adding structure and height to gardens. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, and once established, it is notably low maintenance.
Hardiness Zone: 3a-4a
Pet Friendly: Yes
Moisture Preference: Dry to moist
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Drought Tolerance (Xeriscape): Yes
Growth Rate: Medium
Average Height (feet): 5
Average Spread (feet): 3
Average Life Span (years): 15
Form: Towering
Flower Color: Pink
Bloom Season: In mid summer
Foliage Color: Green
Leaf Fall Color: Yellow
Foliage Shape: Grassy
Incorporating Northwind Switchgrass into your landscaping can provide year-round interest and structure. Its tall, narrow form is ideal for creating vertical accents in the garden.
This grass is perfect for use in borders, as a screen, or in mass plantings for a dramatic effect. Its wind-resistant nature makes it a fantastic choice for exposed or coastal gardens.
Despite its dramatic appearance, Northwind Switchgrass is surprisingly easy to care for. It is drought-tolerant once established and can adapt to a variety of soil conditions.
In prairie gardens, Northwind Switchgrass adds to the naturalistic aesthetic, blending beautifully with wildflowers and other native grasses.
For contemporary landscapes, this switchgrass serves as a sculptural element, offering clean lines and a modern feel.
It provides seeds for birds and habitat for wildlife, enhancing a garden's ecological value.
Use as a backdrop for perennial beds. Its height and form contrast well with lower-growing, flowering plants.
Plant in rows to create a natural privacy screen or windbreak. Its dense growth is effective for defining spaces.
Combine with other ornamental grasses for a varied yet harmonious display. Different textures and heights can create a visually appealing tapestry.
In spring, Northwind Switchgrass begins its growth cycle, with fresh green blades emerging from the ground.
During summer, it reaches its full height and produces airy flower panicles, adding movement and texture.
In the fall, the foliage may turn golden yellow, providing warm autumnal tones to the garden.
In winter, the dried grass remains upright, offering structural interest and resilience against snow and frost.
Sedum spectabile 'Autumn Fire'
Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus'
Iris versicolor 'Purple Flame'
Northwind Switchgrass excels in open, sunny areas. It’s ideal for spacious gardens where its height and form can be fully appreciated.
Full sun is best for Northwind Switchgrass, ensuring optimal growth and flowering. It can tolerate some light shade but may not be as robust.
This grass is adaptable to various soil types, from sandy to clay, as long as they are well-draining.
Space plants about 3 feet apart to accommodate their mature size and encourage air circulation.
The ideal planting time is in the spring or early fall, allowing roots to establish before extreme weather.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth. Place the grass in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly.
Regular watering is essential until established. Mature Northwind Switchgrass is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
Fertilize sparingly in early spring. Over-fertilization can lead to weak, floppy growth.
Cut back to about 4 inches in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Remove old growth from the previous season and apply a light layer of compost or slow-release fertilizer.
Water in prolonged dry periods. Otherwise, little care is needed during the summer.
Enjoy the autumnal color changes. Reduce watering as the plant prepares for dormancy.
Leave the dried stems for winter interest and to provide habitats for wildlife. No additional care is needed.
Panicum virgatum 'Red Rays'
Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'
Panicum virgatum 'Dallas Blues'
Northwind Switchgrass typically reaches 4 to 6 feet in height, with flower stalks that can extend even taller.
No, it is not invasive. It grows in clumps and does not spread aggressively.
Yes, it can be divided in early spring every few years to rejuvenate growth and manage size.
Sign up below to be the first to learn about exclusive deals, discounts, and new collections!
We’ll also deliver the latest tips, trends, and gardening inspiration straight to your inbox.
A big thank you for subscribing to the PBN Design newsletter.
We're thrilled to have you join our community. Get ready for exciting updates, insightful content, and more delivered straight to your inbox.
Stay tuned!
Go backA big thank you for subscribing to the PBN Design newsletter.
We're thrilled to have you join our community. Get ready for exciting updates, insightful content, and more delivered straight to your inbox.
Stay tuned!
Go back
