Grass - Panicum virgatum Dream Catcher® Smoky Rose® (‘Nonesory’) - Smoky Rose Switchgrass

Smoky Rose® is a wildlife-friendly grass, attracting birds, pollinators, and beneficial insects. The airy flower panicles produce seeds that serve as food for birds in late fall and winter, while the dense foliage offers shelter for small animals and insects. Its late-season blooms also support pollinators such as butterflies and bees.

• Seasonality: Deciduous; dies back in winter and regrows in spring.
• Flowering Season: Late summer to early fall (August-September)
• Bloom Description: Smoky Rose® produces airy, rose-colored flower panicles that rise gracefully above the foliage in late summer. These delicate, feathery blooms add softness and movement to the garden and gradually fade to a smoky tan as they mature, retaining their beauty well into fall.

Accent in perennial borders

Mass planting for texture and movement

Fall color accent in mixed borders

Wildlife gardens for bird-attracting seeds

Naturalistic or prairie-style plantings

The leaves of Smoky Rose® are narrow, arching, and blue-green during the growing season, turning shades of red, bronze, and orange in the fall. This beautiful seasonal transition adds a fiery contrast to the cooler hues of summer. The foliage forms a dense, upright clump that maintains its shape well into winter, even after the leaves have dried.

• Type: Airy panicles.
  
• Color: Smoky rose to pinkish-purple.
  
• Bloom Time: Mid-summer to fall.
  
• Height: Flower spikes rise above the foliage, contributing to the plant's total height of 4–5 feet.
  
  Visual Appeal: The delicate, feathery plumes add movement and texture to the garden, catching light and creating a soft, ethereal effect.

• Planting Season: Best planted in early spring or fall when temperatures are cooler, allowing the plant to establish roots before the growing season or winter dormancy.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil but is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including clay, loamy, and sandy soils. Smoky Rose® is tolerant of poor soils and thrives in both moist and dry conditions, making it a versatile choice for a variety of landscapes.
• Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for mature spread and to create a dense, clumping effect in mass plantings or borders.

Planting Instructions:

1. Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
2. Place the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball level with the soil surface.
3. Backfill with soil, tamp gently, and water thoroughly.
4. Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pruning is minimal for Panicum 'Smoky Rose®'. In late winter or early spring, cut the dead foliage back to about 6-12 inches from the ground to allow new growth to emerge. Avoid pruning in fall, as the dried flower heads and foliage provide visual interest and food for wildlife through the winter months.

Smoky Rose® is drought-tolerant once established and prefers low to moderate watering. Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish a strong root system. Once established, the plant thrives with minimal watering, making it ideal for xeriscaping or low-maintenance gardens.

Thrives in full sun to partial shade. For the best foliage color and growth, plant Smoky Rose® in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. While it can tolerate partial shade, full sun encourages the most vibrant fall color and the strongest upright growth habit.

The delicate flower panicles of Smoky Rose® can be harvested for use in fresh or dried floral arrangements. Harvest the flowers when they are fully mature and dry them for long-lasting indoor displays. The colorful fall foliage can also be clipped and used in dried arrangements for added texture and color.

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage. Smoky Rose® is a low-maintenance grass and generally does not require heavy fertilization. A single light feeding in spring is sufficient to sustain the plant's vigor throughout the growing season.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Mulching also helps protect the root system from temperature extremes.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Smoky Rose® is highly resistant to pests and diseases, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens. Ensure good air circulation and well-drained soil to prevent any potential fungal issues.
• Winter Care: This grass dies back in winter but retains its form with dried foliage and flower spikes, adding visual interest to the garden. In late winter or early spring, cut back the dead foliage to encourage fresh growth.

• Method: Wind-pollinated.
  
• Pollinator Attraction: Not significant for pollinators due to wind pollination.
  

Self or Cross-Pollinating: Primarily self-pollinating.

• Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower): Adds bold color and attracts pollinators.
  
• Rudbeckia fulgida (Black-Eyed Susan): Provides bright yellow blooms that contrast with the grass's texture.
  
• Coreopsis verticillata: Offers fine-textured foliage and vibrant flowers.
  
• Salvia nemorosa: Features spiky blooms and attracts pollinators.
  
• Sedum 'Autumn Joy': Delivers late-season interest with its succulent foliage and flowers.
  
• Amsonia hubrichtii: Displays feathery foliage that turns golden in fall.
  
• Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed): Attracts butterflies and adds bright orange flowers.
  
• Allium spp.: Provides architectural interest with its globe-shaped flowers.