Panicum virgatum 'Thundercloud' PP20665
Tall Switchgrass
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Need a screen, accent, or back-of-the-border plant? Look no further than the big, bodacious Panicum virgatum ‘Thundercloud’. Rising to 8 feet with an impressive crown of airy, open panicles, Tall Switchgrass has a magnificent presence in the landscape. The panicles persist well into the winter, making a great addition to cut flower arrangements. Its upright foliage resists flopping, even under heavy winds and rain. ‘Thundercloud’ is a cross between Panicum virgatum ‘Cloud Nine’ and Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’. Its appearance is most similar to two other blue foliage cultivars, Panicum virgatum ‘Dallas Blues’ PP11202 and Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’, but has a more open flower and taller habit. Propagation is strictly prohibited, and tags are required with each plant.
Zone
4-9
Growth Cycle
Warm
Features
- Native to North America
- Drought Tolerant
- Bioretention/Rain Gardens
- Bioswales/Vegetated swales
- Erosion control
- Meadow/Prairie Plantings
GROWER INFO & TIPS
- Growth rate: medium to fast
- Grow in 1, 2 or 3 gallon containers or larger
- Grow in well-drained soil
- Water needs: keep evenly moist
- Fertilizing: use a slow-release, medium-rate fertilizer
- Possible pests: leaf spot, thrips, spidermites, rust
- Overwintering: cold frame with clear poly, keep dry; can overwinter outside if moisture level is monitored
- Do not overfertilize. This causes weak growth and plants will be prone to flopping.
*Note: please adapt these suggestions as needed to accommodate your local conditions.
LANDSCAPING INFO
- Upright, arching habit and towering height make it a great backdrop, specimen, or screening plant
- Maintains shape—persists into winter and will not flop under heavy winds and rain
- Gorgeous open panicles can be dried and use for cut flower arrangements
- Unpalatable to deer
