Squaw Switchgrass Ornamental Grasses (Panicum Virgatum Squaw)

Squaw Switchgrass Ornamental Grasses Description

Squaw Switchgrass is a compact, ornamental grass cultivar known for its upright growth and striking appearance. Reaching a height of about 90 cm (3 feet), it forms a dense, clump like mound of fine, narrow green leaves that transition to golden hues in autumn. In late summer, it produces airy, reddish brown flower panicles that rise above the foliage, adding texture and interest to the garden. These soft, plume like flowers mature to tan and persist into winter, enhancing its appeal well beyond the growing season.

Squaw Switchgrass is well suited to smaller gardens, prairie style landscapes, and borders. It is a versatile, low maintenance grass that adapts well to a range of soil types and is drought tolerant once established. This ornamental grass offers a natural, elegant appearance while requiring little care, making it a popular choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

Pruning Advice

When to Prune: The best time to prune Squaw Switchgrass is in late winter or early spring, just before the new growth begins. This ensures the plant is ready for fresh shoots and helps maintain a tidy garden appearance.

How to Prune: Cut back the previous growth to around 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) above the ground. Use sharp secateurs or garden shears to ensure clean cuts. Removing the dead foliage helps prevent diseases and provides room for the new growth to emerge.

Additional Care: Squaw Switchgrass is low maintenance, but it can benefit from occasional division every 3 to 4 years if it becomes too large or crowded. This rejuvenates the plant and encourages better growth. Be sure to remove any dead or damaged leaves throughout the growing season to keep the plant looking neat.

Further Information

Compact Size: Unlike larger switchgrass varieties, Squaw Switchgrass remains compact, reaching a height of just 90 cm, making it ideal for smaller gardens or as part of a mixed border.

Seasonal Interest: It provides year round interest, with its lush green foliage in spring and summer, transitioning to golden and reddish brown hues in autumn. The flower panicles add a soft, airy element that catches the light, making it attractive in any season.

Low Maintenance: Once established, Squaw Switchgrass is drought tolerant and requires minimal care. It is also relatively pest and disease resistant, making it a hardy and reliable plant for a variety of garden conditions.

Wildlife Friendly: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while its dense growth provides shelter for small birds during the winter months.

Soil Erosion Control: With its deep root system, Squaw Switchgrass is an excellent choice for planting on slopes or areas prone to soil erosion, helping to stabilise the soil.

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.