Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'
Heavy metal is a switch grass cultivar that features metallic-blue foliage and a columnar form. It is a clump-forming, warm-season grass.
Metallic-blue leaves turn yellow in the Autumn then fading to tan-beige in Winter.
Foliage is topped in Mid-Summer by finely textured, pink-tinged, branched flower panicles that hover over the foliage like an air cloud.
*Deer Seldom Browse*
Photos courtesy of Toms Creek Farm & Nursery in Farmer, North Carolina
Ornamental Characteristics |
Category |
Ornamental, Perennial Grass |
Foliage Type |
Winter Dormant
|
Height |
2' - 4' |
Spread |
1' - 4' |
Shape |
Clump-forming |
Primary Foliage Color |
Metallic Bluish-green |
Seasonal Foliage Color |
Dormant in the Winter |
Flowering Season |
Summer |
Flower Color |
Pink |
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Environmental Characteristics |
Growth Rate |
Moderate |
Sun Preferences |
Full Sun |
Water Preferences |
Average: Ensure the planting area is prepared for good drainage. Poor drainage areas may result in 'root rot'. |
Cold Hardiness Zone |
5 - 9 |