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Products > Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'   Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' - Blue Switch Grass     [2nd Image] Habit and Cultural Information Category: Grass Family: Poaceae (Gramineae) (Grasses) Origin: Prairie Provinces (North America) Flower Color: Pink Bloomtime: Summer Height: 4-5 feet Width: 2-3 feet Exposure: Full Sun Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs Winter Hardiness: < 0 °F Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' (Blue Switch Grass) - A deciduous warm-season clump-forming grass native to the American prairies. It has chalky-gray upright foliage to 4-5 ft tall and attractive airy pink-tinged flowers in mid-summer. 'Prairie Sky' was a selection made by Kurt Bluemel with chalky-colored foliage - it is more upright than 'Prairie Sky'. Plant in full sun. Tolerant of most soils and irrigation practices from dry to soggy - shorter when kept dry. Hardy into USDA zone 4. Attractive as a dormant grass but should be cut back in late winter to early spring so not to detract from the newly emerging foliage .  The information on this page is based on research conducted in our nursery library and from online sources as well as from observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery's garden and in other gardens that we have observed it in. We also will incorporate comments received from others and always appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have additional information, particularly if this information is contrary to what we have written or includes additional cultural tips that might aid others in growing Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'.     [MORE INFO]