Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ | Switchgrass

Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ is a favorite switchgrass, well-loved for its dramatic, metallic blue foliage and for its strong upright habit that remains standing straight and tall. Pink-tinted, airy blooms appear in July, highlighting the color of its blue leaves. This blue switchgrass serves as a colorful backdrop to other grasses and perennials, looks stunning in masses, and provides a focal point when used as a specimen.

A cultivar of native Panicum virgatum, it is an easy choice for meadows and naturalized areas as it not picky about soil and is very drought tolerant. Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ does best in full sun; refrain from over fertilizing.

Mass plant this grass in the back of a border or use as a screen. It is effective as an accent plant in a native or water garden or along a pond. This plant is resistant to deer grazing, drought, erosion, and air pollution. It is also slightly salt tolerant and withstands occasional flooding.

For more information visit  For more information visit the North Carolina Extension Plant Toolbox

Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr | CC BY 4.0