Panicum Heavy Metal

PAHM Switch Grass, Panic Grass
$16.95
Buy More & Save! 3 for $15.95 ea.
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Ships Fall 2025 to
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Four Season Appeal
Strongly vertical metallic-blue foliage will age to yellow in the fall. Late summer seed fronds tipped in copper persist for stunning winter interest. Panicum Heavy Metal stems retain their upright form throughout the growing season and into winter. May self-seed under ideal growing conditions. Absolutely a must-have grass for all seasons! Panicum supplies an ideal wildlife habitat providing shelter and food for songbirds. Tolerates both wet and dry conditions. Switch Grass gets its name from the calming swishing sound produced with a gentle breeze. This tough ornamental grass is deer resistant, will grow near black walnut trees and even tolerates salt spray near the ocean and road salt.

Minus icon Plant Type Perennials, Grasses

Minus icon Height Tall 3-4' (4-5' in flower)

Minus icon Spacing Plant 30" apart

Minus icon Bloom Time Mid-Summer to Late Summer

Minus icon Sun / Shade Full Sun to Half Sun / Half Shade

Minus icon Growing Zones 4-9

Minus icon Soil Type Normal, Clay

Minus icon Water Needs Medium

Minus icon Sold In Plantable Pots (3.5x3.5x4")

Special Product

Bluestone Classics

You can't go wrong with the classics! These tried and true varieties are our staff's top picks for gardeners looking for low maintenance plants that will dazzle in the border.

Special Features

  • Deer Resistant
  • Winter Interest
  • Good for Hedge
  • Seaside/Salt Tolerant
  • Shade Tolerant
  • Wet Site Tolerant

Botanical Name

Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'

Panicum General Information

Panicum are strongly vertical grasses with good color. Best form is achieved in full sun, more open habit if given too much shade. Airy clouds of flowers provide winter interest and food for birds. Ideal grass for stabilizing slopes prone to erosion. Ornamental grasses are restricted in Oregon.

Panicum Plant Care

Prefers moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Cut back in early spring to 3-4" before new growth appears. Divide in spring only. Fast grower but late to wake up in the spring.

Minus icon All potted plant material is restricted from shipping to Idaho

Plantable Pots

Our plants are grown in 3.5x3.5x4” plantable pots. Made from 100% biodegradable coconut husk fibers (coir), these pots have tremendous advantages over plastic pots. With better air exchange, this "breathable" pot fosters robust root growth and reduces transplant shock since you can plant the pots directly in the ground. The pot naturally becomes part of the soil on its own over time—no composting required—and since they're made from a renewable resource that requires very little energy, they're earth-friendly too!

100% Guarantee

We offer a 100% guarantee for all our perennials to reach you in good condition and to grow. If you're not satisfied, we'll reship or refund immediately. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns—we share your passion for gardening and want your new plants to thrive in your border!

Shipping Details

We use custom, earth-friendly packaging to make sure your order arrives in great condition, and we ship based on the best planting time for your growing zone (see the approximate dates below), unless otherwise indicated at checkout. If you wish, you can indicate a specific ship date during checkout.

Spring

  • Zones 3, 4: Early to Mid May
  • Zone 5: Late April to Early May
  • Zone 6: Mid to Late April
  • Zone 7: Early to Mid April
  • Zones 8, 9 10: Early April

Fall

  • Zone 2, 3, 4: Early September
  • Zone 5: Early to Mid September
  • Zone 6: Mid September
  • Zone 7: Mid to Late September
  • Zone 8, 9, 10: Late September to Early October

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