Panicum virgatum Hanse Herms (Switch Grass)

Panicum virgatum ‘Hanse Herms’ is a deciduous, perennial grass of choice. It forms an erect, compact and narrow clump of gracefully arching, steely blue foliage with red-tinged tips that become more conspicuous as the season progresses. Dark red by late summer, the foliage turns vibrant burgundy-red by fall and usually remains attractive in the garden all winter long.

Panicum virgatum 'Hanse Herms' is a deciduous, perennial grass of choice. It forms an erect, compact and narrow clump of gracefully arching, steely blue foliage with red-tinged tips that become more conspicuous as the season progresses. Dark red by late summer, the foliage turns vibrant burgundy-red by fall and usually remains attractive in the garden all winter long. It gets topped in summer with a profusion of finely-textured, pink flower spikelets which hover over the foliage like an airy cloud. Both flowers and foliage turn beige in fall and persist well into winter.

Requirements

Hardiness 5
– 9

Heat Zones 1
– 9

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Plant Family Panicum – Switch Grasses
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 3'
– 4'
(90cm
– 120cm)
Spread 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spacing 36″ (90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Wet Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Bog Gardens, Hedges and Screens, Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow