Northwind Switchgrass Ornamental Grasses (Panicum Virgatum Northwind)

Northwind Switchgrass Ornamental Grasses Description

Northwind Switchgrass is a tall, upright ornamental grass with a strong architectural presence, prized for its vertical form and striking blue green foliage. Reaching heights of up to 1.8 metres (6 feet), this variety of switchgrass is perfect for creating height and structure in the garden. In late summer, delicate, airy flower panicles emerge, starting off pale green and maturing to golden hues, which add texture, movement, and visual interest. As the season progresses, the foliage turns a beautiful golden yellow or bronze in autumn, providing a warm contrast in the garden.

Northwind Switchgrass thrives in full sun and well drained soil, making it a versatile choice for borders, wildlife gardens, or naturalistic planting schemes. Its elegant appearance, coupled with its resilience, makes it ideal for both formal and informal garden designs, offering year round interest with its striking silhouette and seasonal foliage changes.

Pruning Advice

When to Prune: In late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This allows the grass to regenerate with fresh, healthy shoots.

How to Prune: Cut back the old growth to about 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) above the ground using sharp secateurs or garden shears. It is important to remove any dead or damaged foliage to ensure the new growth is not hindered.

Additional Care: While pruning is important to maintain its tidy appearance, Northwind Switchgrass requires little other maintenance. However, division may be needed every few years if the plant becomes too large or begins to decline in vigour. Divide in early spring to rejuvenate the plant and propagate new specimens.

Further Information

Architectural Value: With its upright growth habit and tall stature, it creates a strong vertical element in garden designs, perfect for adding structure and contrast to flower beds and mixed plantings.

Seasonal Interest: Its foliage turns a lovely golden or reddish brown colour in autumn, providing vibrant seasonal interest, while the flower panicles continue to add texture into winter.

Low Maintenance: This hardy grass is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established. It is drought tolerant and adaptable to various soil types, making it a great option for sustainable gardens.

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

Erosion Control: The deep roots of Northwind Switchgrass help prevent soil erosion, making it an excellent choice for planting on slopes or areas with loose soil.

Durability: This variety is more robust than some other switchgrass varieties, offering a reliable performance in a wide range of climates and growing conditions.

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 £250 | or £9.98 charge.

* Tall Sized Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m & over) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £24.99 charge.

* Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £350 | or £82 charge.

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