2026 Availability- Summer
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) 'Heavy Metal' is a favorite cultivar of native Switchgrass due to its stiff and upright growth habit, metallic blue-gray foliage, and tan blooms in late summer. Grow 'Heavy Metal' in full sun and with drier soil conditions to showcase the best color. This Switchgrass variety tolerates a wide range of soils and looks excellent in more formal or natural plantings due to its upright habit. Use as a specimen plant or in a group planting in garden beds, borders, mixed grass plantings, rock gardens, or natural prairie plantings. Switchgrass is moderately tolerant of urban sites and pollution.
Switchgrass 'Heavy Metal'
Irrigation Requirement: Low (1/2" every 10-14 days)
Mature Size: 5 - 6' tall and 2 - 3' wide
Spacing: 24 - 36" apart
Season: Warm-season grass
Hardiness Zone: 4 - 9
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Deer Resistant: Yes
Salt Tolerant: Moderately
Soils: Adaptable to sandy, loamy, or clay soils as long as they are well-drained.
Plants in the Panicum genus are host species for 5 known native pollinators in northern Utah. Switchgrass also provides habitat and cover for birds and small mammals.