Panicum ‘Heavy Metal’, also known as switchgrass ‘Heavy Metal’, is a beautiful ornamental grass that can add a unique touch to your garden or landscape. This particular variety of switchgrass is known for its metallic-blue foliage and its columnar form, which can reach a height of 3 feet. However, when it is in flower, it can reach a slightly taller height of up to 5 feet.
One of the standout features of Panicum ‘Heavy Metal’ is its stunning metallic-blue leaves. These leaves create a striking contrast against other plants in your garden, making it a real eye-catcher. In the fall, the leaves of this grass turn a vibrant yellow, adding a touch of warmth and color to your landscape. As winter approaches, the foliage will fade to a tan-beige color, providing interest and texture even during the colder months.
In terms of size, Panicum ‘Heavy Metal’ is considered to be a medium-sized grass. Its columnar form gives it a more upright and compact growth habit compared to other switchgrass varieties. This makes it a great choice for smaller gardens or areas where you want to create a vertical element without taking up too much space. The 3-foot height of this grass is generally measured from the base of the plant to the top of the foliage. However, as mentioned earlier, when the plant is in flower, it can reach a height of up to 5 feet due to the additional height of the flower stalks.
When planting Panicum ‘Heavy Metal’, it is important to give it enough space to grow and spread. While it has a more compact form compared to some other switchgrass varieties, it still needs room to thrive. Planting it too close to other plants or structures may restrict its growth and hinder its ability to reach its full potential.
In my personal experience, I have found that Panicum ‘Heavy Metal’ can create a stunning focal point in a garden bed or along a pathway. Its unique blue foliage adds a touch of coolness and elegance to the landscape, while its upright form adds structure and height. I have also noticed that this grass tends to attract birds, especially when it is in seed, providing additional interest and wildlife to the garden.
To summarize, Panicum ‘Heavy Metal’ is a medium-sized ornamental grass that features metallic-blue foliage and a columnar growth habit. It can reach a height of 3 feet, but when in flower, it can reach up to 5 feet. Its unique color and form make it a great addition to any garden or landscape, adding interest and texture throughout the seasons. Give it enough space to grow and enjoy its beauty year after year.
