Grass - Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'

Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' is highly attractive to birds, especially in the fall and winter when its seed heads provide food. The flowers also attract beneficial insects like butterflies and bees during the blooming season, making it a great choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. Additionally, its dense growth habit offers shelter for small animals and ground-nesting birds.

Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' is a warm-season, deciduous perennial, emerging in late spring, growing actively through summer and fall, and turning golden-brown in winter, adding year-round interest to the landscape.

Vertical accent in prairie, native, or formal gardens

Screen or seasonal privacy barrier

Rain gardens and bioswales

Low-maintenance perennial beds

Winter interest with upright structure

Excellent for bird gardens (seeds attract finches and sparrows)

The foliage of 'Northwind' is a standout feature. Its narrow, stiff, and upright leaves are blue-green, providing a cool, calming effect in the garden. In fall, the foliage turns golden-yellow, offering an additional layer of seasonal interest. The leaves remain attractive through the winter, gradually fading to tan as they persist into the colder months.

• Flowering Season:Northwind Switchgrass blooms in late summer to early fall, typically from August to October. The airy flower panicles provide a soft contrast to the rigid, upright foliage, enhancing the plant's overall visual appeal.
• Flower Description:The flowers of 'Northwind' are delicate, loose, and airy panicles that rise above the foliage on slender stems. The flowers start as a soft, greenish hue and mature to a tan color as the season progresses. While the flowers are subtle, they add a beautiful texture and movement to the garden as they sway in the breeze.

• When to Plant: Plant in early spring or fall, giving the grass time to establish roots before the heat of summer or the chill of winter.

• How to Plant: Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. Place the plant in the hole so that the crown is at soil level, then backfill with soil and water thoroughly. Space plants 2-3 feet apart for mass plantings or hedging.

Pruning is minimal. Cut the grass back to the ground in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This helps rejuvenate the plant and maintain its tidy appearance. The golden-brown foliage and seed heads can be left standing through winter to provide visual interest and food for birds.

Northwind Switchgrass is highly adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, including drought, once established. During the first growing season, water regularly to help the plant establish a strong root system. After that, water as needed, especially during extended dry periods. It thrives in medium to moist, well-drained soils and can even tolerate wet soils, making it ideal for rain gardens or planting near water features.

Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to maintain its strong, upright growth and vibrant foliage color. While it can tolerate partial shade, it may become leggy and lose its structural form in low-light conditions.

The tall, golden seed heads and foliage of 'Northwind' can be harvested for use in dried floral arrangements or winter wreaths. Cut the stems in late summer or early fall when they are fully mature and allow them to dry naturally for decorative use.

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or compost to encourage healthy growth and vibrant foliage. 'Northwind' is not a heavy feeder, and too much fertilizer can lead to excessive growth, causing the grass to lose its upright form.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

• Soil: 'Northwind' prefers moist, well-drained soils but is highly adaptable to a range of soil types, including clay, sandy, and loamy soils. It can tolerate both acidic and alkaline soils.

• Disease Resistance: This grass is highly resistant to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners. It is also deer-resistant, adding to its appeal in landscapes where wildlife browsing is a concern.

The flowers of Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' are wind-pollinated, and while pollination is not necessary for its ornamental value, the flowers contribute to the plant's ecological benefits by providing food for pollinators like butterflies and other insects.

• Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) – summer blooms and attracts pollinators
  
• Rudbeckia fulgida (Black-Eyed Susan) – vibrant yellow blooms complement upright grass
  
• Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) – airy texture and blue color contrast beautifully
  
• Sedum 'Autumn Joy' – drought-tolerant and adds late-season color
  
• Agastache (Anise Hyssop) – upright flowering spikes with pollinator appeal
  
• Monarda didyma (Bee Balm) – adds summer color and pollinator activity
  
• Amsonia hubrichtii (Blue Star) – feathery foliage echoes the grass’s texture
  
• Solidago spp. (Goldenrod) – blends well in naturalized plantings
  
• Coreopsis verticillata – finely textured foliage complements the vertical form
  

Allium spp. – globular blooms offer geometric contrast in spring and early summer