Panicum virgatum ‘Purple Tears’ PP28518
Purple Tears Switchgrass
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Renowned plantsman and designer Piet Oudolf brings us a Switchgrass that’s destined to be a classic. He discovered this delightful selection of our native species in a nursery plot in Hummelo, Netherlands. Panicum virgatum ‘Purple Tears’ bears flowering spikes with soft gray color at the top, followed by splendid, purple seed heads. With a manageable height of 4’, its narrow, upright habit make it perfect for a range of landscape applications. It has the same toughness and adaptability you’ll find in other Switchgrass cultivars.
Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’ is the most likely parent based on appearance and proximity in the growing area. But whereas ‘Shenandoah’ has dark green foliage that develops red-orange color, ‘Purple Tears’ offers a lighter green color that persists across the season. Its purple seed heads, gray-tipped flowering spikes, and graceful habit stood out for Oudolf in his garden.
We are happy to be the first nursery in the U.S. to offer Panicum virgatum ‘Purple Tears’. Capture some of the magic Oudolf and his designs bring to landscapes with this exciting, new Switchgrass.
Licensed through Future Plants. This plant protected by USA patent. Propagation without permission strictly prohibited.
Zone
4-10
Growth Cycle
Warm
Features
- Native to North America
- Our Favorites
- Drought Tolerant
- Bioretention/Rain Gardens
- Bioswales/Vegetated swales
- Erosion control
- Meadow/Prairie Plantings
GROWER INFO & TIPS
- Growth rate: medium
- Grow in 1, 2 or 3-gallon or larger
- Grow in well-drained soil
- Water needs: keep evenly moist
- Fertilizing: use a slow release, medium-rate fertilizer
- Possible pests: aphids, leaf spot, spidermites, spittlebugs
- Overwintering: no special needs; do not overwater
- This grass can flop if overfertilized or overwatered
*Note: please adapt these suggestions as needed to accommodate your local conditions.
LANDSCAPING INFO
- Heavy bloomer with showy, purple seeds heads
- Upright habit and manageable size for tight spaces
- Drought tolerance and adaptability make it a beautiful addition to functional spaces like parking lots and rain gardens.
- Outstanding in large sweeps for color and movement
- Selected by master designer and plantsman, Piet Oudolf
