switch grass ‘Dallas Blues’
Panicum virgatum ‘Dallas Blues’ (switch grass ‘Dallas Blues’) is a massed, bluish grey grass with large wispy plumes. The plumes flower in early September with a splash of purple which will remain throughout the winter.
The foliage is wide, upright and has a beautiful rust winter color. Growing up to 1.5 meters tall and remaining erect in the winter, birds and butterflies rely on this plant for food and habitat. Designers use this plant in large groups, as an accent and even as a screen. It works well in borders, natural gardens, prairies, and water gardens. Panicum ‘Dallas Blues’ grows in full sun or part shade and prefers moist conditions in hardiness zones 5 to 9. Panicums are native to the midwestern prairies, and this particular variety was cultivated and subsequently patented in 2000.
Botanical Name | Panicum virgatum ‘Dallas Blues’ |
Common Name | switch grass ‘Dallas Blues’ |
Family | Poaceae |
USDA Zone | 5 thru 9 |
Light Requirement | Full Sun to Part Shade |
Season(s) of interest | summer, fall, winter |
Height and Spread | 4-6ft x 2-3ft (120-180cm x 60-90cm) |
Flower Color | Airy Pink |
Attracts Wildlife | Provides Food for Birds, Hosts Caterpillars of Butterflies/Moths, |
Additional Information | Cultivated Form of a Native Plant. Panicum virgatum native to tall grass prairies throughout the midwest. |
Location in Lurie Garden | North Dark Plate, Southwest Dark Plate |
Average Flowering Time