Heavy Metal Switchgrass Ornamental Grasses (Panicum Virgatum Heavy Metal)

Heavy Metal Switchgrass Ornamental Grasses Description

Heavy Metal Switchgrass is a bold, upright ornamental grass celebrated for its rigid, columnar form and unique metallic blue foliage. Reaching a height of 1.2 to 1.5 metres (4 to 5 feet), its slender, arching leaves retain their shape and colour throughout the growing season. In late summer, delicate, airy panicles of pink tinged flowers emerge above the foliage, maturing to a golden brown hue that lasts well into winter, providing seasonal interest and texture. Its foliage takes on stunning shades of yellow or bronze in autumn, adding to its year round appeal.

This grass thrives in a variety of garden settings, from formal borders to naturalistic plantings, and works well as a vertical accent or mass planting for structure and movement.

Pruning Advice

When to Prune: Cut back old growth in late winter or early spring, just before new shoots appear. This allows the plant to regenerate with fresh growth and maintains its tidy appearance.

How to Prune: Use sharp secateurs or shears to trim the dead foliage to about 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) above the ground. This also removes any lingering debris and makes way for new growth.

Additional Care: While division is rarely necessary, if the clump becomes too large or begins to decline in vigour after several years, divide it in early spring to rejuvenate the plant and propagate new ones.

Further Information

Architectural Interest: The stiff, upright growth habit and metallic blue foliage create a striking vertical element in gardens, complementing a variety of plants.

Seasonal Appeal: Offers vibrant foliage colour through summer and autumn, with its flower panicles and dried leaves providing texture and visual interest throughout winter.

Low Maintenance: This hardy grass requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for low maintenance and wildlife friendly gardens.

Wildlife Support: The flowers attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, while the seed heads provide food for birds during the winter months.

Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is drought resistant, making it an excellent choice for sustainable and xeriscape gardens.

Erosion Control: Its deep, fibrous root system helps stabilise soil, making it suitable for slopes or areas prone to erosion.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:

* Standard Sized Boxes (Bare root up to 1.2m tall & pots up to 7.5L) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £100 | or £7.99 charge.

* Tall Sized Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m & over) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £100 | or £14.99 charge.

* Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £350 | or £60 charge.

* Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £1500 | or £450 charge.