Hardy Switch Grass Offers Plenty of Visual Interest
‘Heavy Metal’ Switch Grass is a versatile ornamental grass known for its distinct metallic blue foliage. This clump-forming, warm season grass has an upright growth habit, with stiff green leaves and a columnar form. Its unique color is accented in the summer months, when the foliage is topped with finely textured pink-tinted flower panicles.
Despite displaying an open, airy look, Heavy Metal is strong, consistently maintaining its vertical shape and rarely falling over, even during periods of heavy rain. This adaptable grass works incredibly well as an anti-erosion plant, holding soil in place and helping to slow water runoff.
Heavy Metal is easy to care for, requiring minimal attention and upkeep, and fitting in beautifully with a variety of landscape designs. Use as a perennial border, in native gardens, or plant anywhere you want to add texture and interest. Heavy Metal also creates a haven for many different species of birds, offering plenty of seeds to eat and shelter from harsh weather conditions. Deer have no interest in this grass, making it an excellent choice for protecting your garden. Grow yours today!
Planting & Care
1. Planting: Plant in an area with full to partial sun (4-8 hours of sunlight per day). Select a location with well-drained soil and dig a hole that’s large enough to accommodate your plant’s root ball. After you’ve planted, mulch the surrounding area and water to settle the roots.
2. Watering: Water this grass deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Once established it requires little water and is drought tolerant.
3. Fertilizing: Other than mixing in some compost when planting, and adding an annual 1 to 2 inch thick layer of compost each spring, ornamental grasses don’t require extra fertilizer. If you’re growing ornamental grasses in very poor soil, consider adding a small amount of an organic 5-5-5 fertilizer in spring.
4. Pruning: Prune back this grass to the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
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