Grass - Panicum virgatum 'Kindred Spirit' (Switchgrass)

The airy flower panicles of 'Kindred Spirit' attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Additionally, the seeds that form later in the season are a valuable food source for birds, making this grass a great choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. The dense clumps of foliage also provide shelter for small animals and beneficial insects.

Spring: Emerging upright green blades

Summer: Pinkish-red airy flower panicles appear (mid to late summer)

Fall: Foliage turns red to burgundy-purple, flowers dry into ornamental seedheads

Winter: Dried upright stems and seed heads offer structure and visual interest

Structural backdrop in mixed borders

Mass planting for erosion control

Winter interest in prairie-style or naturalized gardens

Wildlife garden (birds enjoy seeds)

Urban gardens for drought resilience

'Kindred Spirit' features narrow, upright blades of vibrant green foliage that create a tidy, clumping form. In the fall, the leaves turn striking shades of yellow, orange, and red, providing stunning seasonal interest. The vertical habit of the foliage adds a sense of structure and movement to any garden.

• Flowering Season: Late summer to early fall (August to October).
• Flower Description: In late summer, Panicum virgatum 'Kindred Spirit' produces airy, pinkish-red flower panicles that rise above the foliage on tall stems. The delicate flowers give a soft, cloud-like appearance and persist into the fall, transitioning to a silvery-beige color as the season progresses.

• Planting Time: Plant in early spring or fall to give the roots time to establish in moderate temperatures. Fall planting allows the grass to settle in before the following growing season.

• Soil: Switchgrass prefers well-drained soil but is highly adaptable to a variety of soil types, including clay, loamy, and sandy soils. It tolerates both dry and moist conditions and performs well in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5-7.5).

• Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for their mature spread and to create an open, airy look in mass plantings.

Cut back the foliage to about 4-6 inches above ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. This rejuvenates the plant and keeps it looking tidy. The dried foliage and flower heads can be left standing through winter for added interest and wildlife shelter.

'Kindred Spirit' is drought-tolerant once established but performs best with regular watering during the first growing season to help the roots establish. After that, it can handle dry conditions, though it appreciates occasional watering during extended droughts, particularly in hot climates.

Full sun is ideal for 'Kindred Spirit,' where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It can tolerate light shade, but full sun is necessary for optimal growth, flower production, and the best fall color display.

How to Harvest:

• Snip dried panicles and shake them over a container to collect seeds
  

Seed Viability:

• Seeds are viable but may not always come true to cultivar – vegetative division is preferred for maintaining cultivar traits
  

Other Notes:

• Leave stems standing for winter habitat and cut back to ground in late winter or early spring

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer if needed, though 'Kindred Spirit' generally thrives without heavy feeding. An annual application of compost or organic matter in the spring will help maintain soil health and support growth.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Mulch also helps improve soil fertility as it breaks down.

• Winter Care: 'Kindred Spirit' is fully hardy and requires no special winter protection in USDA Zones 4-9. The dried foliage and seed heads can be left standing through the winter to provide interest and shelter for wildlife.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: This grass is highly resistant to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance option for most gardens. Good air circulation and proper watering help prevent any potential fungal issues in wet conditions.

'Kindred Spirit' is wind-pollinated, and its flowers attract a variety of beneficial insects. The seeds that form after flowering are a valuable food source for birds, making it an excellent choice for supporting wildlife in the garden.

Panicum 'Kindred Spirit' pairs well with:

• Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) – echoes summer blooms and supports pollinators
  
• Rudbeckia fulgida (Black-Eyed Susan) – provides contrasting gold color and blooms at the same time
  
• Solidago spp. (Goldenrod) – adds height and yellow bloom contrast in fall
  
• Salvia nemorosa – for vibrant blue-purple accents
  
• Sedum 'Autumn Joy' – excellent fall color harmony and drought tolerance
  
• Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) – blends seamlessly in prairie-style plantings
  
• Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) – airy texture and silver foliage contrast
  

These companions support pollinators and match Panicum’s drought tolerance and sun preference.