Panicum virgatum Hot Rod Switch grass delights with airy red panicles held above the foliage. Blades emerge blue-green and rapidly the whole plant turns deep rich maroon. Hot Rod colors earlier in the season than any other selection, May-June in St. Louis. Compact, firmly upright habit 36-40” x 36”. A dwarf cultivar of our Missouri native grass.

Use Hot Rod Red Switch Grass as a specimen, hedge for screening, and as a background in perennial gardens, next to pools, streams, or ponds. It brings considerable interest to large containers either mixed with other sun-loving plants or on its own. Switch grass gets its name from its distinctive sound when blowing in the wind. A very sturdy grass, it will remain standing through winter unless toppled by heavy snow. Its study habit makes it a cozy home for birds during the coldest days of winter.

Switch Grass has a large root system, handling whatever Missouri weather throws at it. It will grow in areas that flood but also highly drought tolerant once established. Red Switch Grass solves many difficult garden problems and is beautiful to boot. Switch Grass prefers lean soils-no fertilizer needed!

Plant in full sun to part shade. Cut back in late winter.