Switch Grass
Panicum virgatum 'Ruby Ribbons'
Poaceae
Growth habit
Grass/Sedge
Perennation
Long-lived polycarpic perennial
Location
Houston and Grossman Ponds, Bioswale Garden
Source of plant
Santa Rosa Gardens, Emerald Coast Growers
Description
This hybrid (P. 'Heavy Metal' x P. 'Hans Herme') produces a 4' tall, upright specimen emerging with blue-grey foliage that begins taking on a burgundy-red hue as early as mid-summer. The foliage color intensifies as the season progresses, serving as a nice foil when the clumps are topped with airy 4' tall flower spikes in late summer which dry and last well into the winter. The plant was named with the invalid cultivar name 'RR1', so Plant Delights Nursery has made their trade name the official cultivar name.
USDA Hardiness Zone
4
Special characteristics
foliage characteristics, fall color