Northwind Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum 'Northwind')
PAN-ih-kum ver-GAY-tum 'Northwind'

Deciduous Perennial Upright, clumping in the Poaceae Family
This striking switchgrass cultivar brings both stature and seasonal interest to the garden. With its towering, upright habit and vibrant fall foliage, this cultivar is a standout addition that's sure to turn heads.

Clump-forming grass. Prefers moist soil, but is fairly soil-adaptable. Usually three to four feet tall, but can reach up to six feet. Spreads by rhizomes and requires competition. Foliage is green-blue in summer, golden or reddish in fall. Delicate, airy seed heads appear in mid-late summer. Food source for game and grazing animals. Butterfly larvae host plant.
 

Plant Data

Mature Size 6 - 8 feet tall. 24 - 36 inches wide.
Growth Rate Average
Sun Exposure Full Sun - Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance Medium : Average to Moist
Zones 4a - 9b (Usually hardy to -30° F)
Tags Attracts Birds, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Wildlife, Colorful Foliage, Container, Deciduous, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fall Color, Fall interest, Full Sun, Good for Accents, Good for Beginners, Good for Borders, Good for Cut Flowers, Good for Mass Planting, Good for Rain Garden, Grasses, Grown For Attractive Foliage, Low Maintenance, Medium, Modern Garden, Most Popular, Nativar, Normal Soil, Perennial, Pond, Popular For Fall, Prairie Garden, Tolerant of Clay Soil, Tolerant of Moist Soil, Tolerant of Poor Soil, Tolerant of Salt, Tolerant of Sandy Soil, Well-Drained Soil, Woodland Garden Large Perennials, Ornamental Grass, Yellow or Orange Flowering Perennials
Bloom Period September
Flower Color Golden-yellow
Foliage Color
 

Awards
 

Most Popular Plants
 

Absolutely Easy Garden Recipes that include Northwind Switch Grass
 

More Info from Experts

Photos of This with...

Red Dragon Japanese Maple, Red October Andropogon, Sun King Udo, Ghost Fern, Mixed Combo Pastels Chrysanthemum: Pink/Peach/Pearl, Neon Star Dianthus, Ruby Star Purple Coneflower, Gold Bar Eulalia, Grass - Little Zebra Maiden, Variegated Japanese Silver Grass, Purple Fountain Grass, Goldsturm Black-Eyed Susan, Quickcover Yellow Sedum
 
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Pricing and Availability History

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Limited Availability

We try very hard to source exactly what you’d like, but sometimes growers run out of plants! While this variety is a great deal at the price shown, we know that it has limited availability. If you want the plant even if it might be more expensive, or in a different size or quantity -- after you place your order, just send us a quick note at help@northshoreplantclub.com. Then, we’ll try to get you some version of this from one of our growers. And if we can’t get it from anywhere, of course, we’ll send a refund!


Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants

Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.

Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.


Estimated Recipe Cost

The cost of this recipe's ingredients will vary depending on the season and the sizes and varieties you select.


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No Pricing or Availability Right Now

We order from a rotating cast of the best nurseries in the Great Lakes region. It looks like we've offered this plant in the past, but the nurseries we're working with this week don't appear to have it in stock at the moment.

Our goal is to bring as many plants together under "one roof" as possible, so we'll try hard to make it available again in the future!