Grass - Panicum virgatum Purple Breeze ('Joz276'PBR) (Switchgrass)

The airy flower panicles of Purple Breeze attract a variety of beneficial pollinators, including bees and butterflies, while the seeds that develop later in the season provide a valuable food source for birds. The dense, upright foliage also offers shelter for small insects and wildlife, making it a great addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.

• Spring: Emerges with green to purplish blades
  
• Summer: Deep purple foliage intensifies; reddish-pink airy flower panicles appear
  
• Fall: Seed heads mature; foliage may turn bronze or red
  

Winter: Attractive upright structure and seed heads persist through frost

Enhance your garden with the bold beauty of Panicum virgatum Purple Breeze ('Joz276'PBR), a vibrant, easy-care ornamental grass that delivers rich purple foliage, seasonal flowers, and wildlife support. Perfect for borders, mass plantings, or as a statement plant, this drought-tolerant switchgrass is sure to add elegance and color to any landscape!

Purple Breeze boasts narrow, arching leaves with a rich purple tint that intensifies as the season progresses. The foliage maintains its bold color throughout the summer, transitioning to shades of copper and bronze in the fall, offering stunning year-round interest. The vertical, fountain-like growth habit adds texture and movement to any garden.

• Flowering Season: Late summer to early fall (August to October).
• Flower Description: In late summer, Purple Breeze produces airy, delicate flower panicles that float above the foliage on tall, upright stems. These pinkish-purple flowers add a soft, cloud-like effect to the landscape, transitioning to a silvery hue as they mature. The flowers persist well into the fall, providing additional seasonal interest.

• Planting Time: Plant in early spring or fall when the soil is cooler and moisture is more consistent. This allows the roots to establish before the growing season.
• Soil: Purple Breeze is highly adaptable to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they are well-drained. It thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5-7.5) and can tolerate both moist and dry conditions once established.
• Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for their mature growth and to create an open, airy appearance in mass plantings or mixed borders.

In late winter or early spring, cut back the foliage to about 6 inches above ground level before new growth begins. This keeps the plant looking tidy and encourages healthy new shoots. The dried foliage and flower panicles can be left standing through the winter for added interest and wildlife shelter.

Once established, Purple Breeze is drought-tolerant and requires little supplemental watering. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system, but avoid overwatering. After establishment, the grass can thrive with occasional watering during extended dry periods.

Full sun is essential for optimal growth and the best color development. Purple Breeze performs best in locations where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In less sunny conditions, the foliage may lose its rich purple hue and the flowering may be reduced.

• Ornamental Use:
  
• Harvest seed heads in late summer to early fall for dried arrangements
  
• Cut stems at the base and air-dry upside down in a dry, ventilated area
  
• Maintenance Harvesting:
  

Prune back old growth to a few inches above ground in late winter or early spring before new growth begins

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a light application of compost. Purple Breeze is not a heavy feeder, and over-fertilization can lead to weak growth. A yearly application of organic compost is usually sufficient to maintain the plant’s health and vigor.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, such as compost or bark, around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Mulching is especially beneficial during the first year to help establish the plant.

• Winter Care: Purple Breeze is fully hardy in USDA Zones 4-9 and requires no special winter protection. The dried seed heads and foliage provide a striking winter display and can be left standing for visual interest and wildlife shelter.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: This ornamental grass is highly resistant to pests and diseases, making it an easy-care choice for gardens. Ensure proper drainage to prevent any potential root rot in overly wet conditions.

The wind-pollinated flowers of Purple Breeze attract beneficial insects and birds. As the season progresses, the seed heads form, offering a valuable food source for birds in late fall and winter. This switchgrass also helps support pollinator populations by providing habitat and shelter for insects.

• Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) – Matches color tones and attracts pollinators
  
• Rudbeckia fulgida (Black-eyed Susan) – Bright contrast with yellow blooms
  
• Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ – Drought-tolerant and adds seasonal interest
  
• Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) – Complements texture and structure
  
• Salvia nemorosa – Provides upright flower spikes and blooms in summer
  
• Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) – Shares drought tolerance and fine foliage texture