Life Cycle
Perennial
Water Requirement
Dry
Moderate
Light Requirement
Full Sun
Max Height
3 Ft.
Price
$16.95

Switch Grass 'Heavy Metal' is a beautiful Florida native with metallic blue foliage and flowers with gorgeous pink tones that bloom in the Summer. It is a very low maintence ornamental grass that works great in containers or planted in large quantities. When it goes to seed, it attracts a variety of birds as a food source. It prefers full sun and moist well-drained soils, although it can be drought tolerant once established. It is the larval host plant for the tawny-edged skipper butterfly.

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How to care for Heavy Metal Switchgrass

Light. Full sun. In heavy shade it tends to flop over.

Water. Water regularly while it establishes. After that it is drought tolerant, and it also handles wet soil, so it suits rain gardens and pond edges.

Soil and feeding. Grows in sandy or clay soil, moist or dry. Like wild switchgrass, it needs little fertilizer.

Size. About 3 ft as listed here. 'Heavy Metal' is described as a stiff, upright clump 4–5 ft tall and 1–2 ft wide.

Pruning. Cut it to the ground in late winter or early spring.

Problems to watch. Few pests. Crown and root rot can occur, and rust may appear in hot, humid weather.

Good to know. Switchgrass is a Florida native and a larval host for the tawny-edged skipper; birds eat the seeds.