Cloud Nine Switch Grass

Panicum virgatum 'Cloud Nine'

Plant Details:

Plant Type: Ornamental Grass

Plant Family: Poaceae

Plant Description: One of the taller switch grasses, it has a strong growing, blue-green foliage with an upright shape. Above the grass blades a cloud of purple to tan seed clusters form in the late summer, turning a golden-yellow in fall. Prefers full sun, but tolerates some shade. Cut back in early spring. The species is native from Utah to the east coast.

Maintenance:

Maintenance Type: Ornamental Grass - Medium

Plant Care: Ornamental Grass - Medium (showy non-turf grasses that go dormant in winter, 3-6' tall): Use hand pruners or hedger to cut and remove 2/3 of the total grass height. Trim edges. For warm season grasses (more common), this is best done in late winter to early spring. For cool season grasses apply the same maintenance practices in the late fall, once the plant is dormant.

Video: Cutting Down Medium Ornamental Grasses - Spring Cleanup

Plant Attributes:

Mature Size: 5-7' tall x 2-3' wide

Utah Native: No

Plant Select: No

Pollinator Friendly: Yes

Localscapes: Foundation Plant, Perimeter Plant

Foliage Interest: No

Foliage Colors: Blue-green

Bloom Colors: Purple, Tan

Bloom Seasons: Late Summer

Bloom Period: Aug - Sep

Growing Conditions:

Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9

Light Requirement: Full Sun (6+ hrs sun), Part Shade (4-6 hrs morning sun), Part Sun (4-6 hrs afternoon sun)

Irrigation Requirement:

Moderate (1/2" every 7-10 days)

Salt Tolerant: Yes

Deer Resistant: Yes

Garden Location:

Neighborhood Landscapes
- Prudent Perennials

Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter