Northwind Switch Grass

Characteristics

• Height: 6-8 feet
• Spread: 2-3 feet
• Zones: 4-9
• Growth Rate: Medium

Cultural Requirements

A low maintenance ornamental grass, Northwind Switch Grass prefers moist, well-drained soil, but will tolerate most soil conditions including dry ones. This grass performs at its best in full sun, however (not ideal), but it will grow in part shade conditions. Minimal care is required for growing this plant in your garden; only needing to be cut back to the ground in late winter or early spring.

Ornamental Features

Northwind Switch Grass offers stunning architectural foliage that can make a bold statement in the landscape. In late summer, an airy cloud of seed heads appear above the vertical foliage and soften the plant. The foliage and seed heads change from an attractive blue-green summer color to a yellow fall color and add significant winter interest to the landscape.

Landscape Uses

Our supervisor and project manager Ernie Huey loves incorporating grasses into the landscape. A versatile plant, they work great massed in groups in naturalized gardens, as a backdrop for other perennials and as an alternative screening plant to the typically used shrubbery.