Panicum virgatum 'Prairie Fire' - Prairie Fire Switch Grass - Photo courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.

Prairie Fire Switch Grass

Panicum virgatum 'Prairie Fire'

Also called Red Switch Grass

  • Forms a tight, upright clump of blue-green foliage
  • Airy cloud-like pinkish panicles shimmer above the foliage
  • Leaves turn a dark wine-red in early summer, starting at the tips
  • The foliage and flower turn beige-brown for the winter
  • Bloom Time: Late summer
  • Flower Height: 150 cm
  • Foliage Height: 125 cm
  • Grass Type: Warm Season

ZONE:
4

COLOUR:
Pink

HEIGHT:
125-150 cm

SPREAD:
70-80 cm

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Growing and Maintenance Tips:


This grass grows in a wide variety of soil conditions from wet to average, and is drought tolerant, once established. Grows best in full sun and will flop over if grown in shade or overly rich soils. It should be pruned back to 10 cm above ground level in early spring.

Additional Notes about Prairie Fire Switch Grass:


Warm Season Grasses: These grasses are much slower starting in the spring. They do not push new growth until temperatures warm in early to midsummer. They flower later in the summer or fall with most blooms remaining into the winter. Most warm season grasses tolerate heat, humidity and drought; some even thrive in these conditions.