Panicum virgatum 'Cloud Nine'

Product Info

Cloud 9 Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum 'Cloud Nine')
Grass Family

Cloud Nine is one of the tallest switchgrass cultivars available. Before blooming, plants reach heights of around 6’, and will gain an additional 2’ of height with blooms. Foliage is a rich blue-green in warm months, turning golden yellow in the fall, and finally bronze in the winter. Blooming occurs in late summer when cream colored, billowy masses extend beyond the foliage. Blooms and foliage add beauty, food, and habitat through the winter. Birds enjoy the seeds, along with other small animals. The size of Cloud Nine should not be underestimated–give plants plenty of room to grow. Full sun and lean soil is recommended to prevent flopping and general weak growth. Panicums are extremely drought tolerant and anchor deep in the soil. They are very difficult to remove once established. Only maintenance required is a cut back in late winter. Good companion plants include Common Milkweed, Blazing-stars, Purple Coneflower, Biennial Guara, Purple Giant Hyssop, Narrowleaf Mountain Mint, and New York Ironweed. 

Blooms: Silver-green, July-Feb
Leaves:Blue-gray, sturdy leaves turn a deep golden color in the fall
Height: 6-8’
Space: 3-4'
Soil: Moist-Average-Dry
Exposure:  Full sun
Fauna: Host plant to numerous butterflies, seeds for birds, habitat
Seeds: Large, billowy blooms are very attractive and provide winter interest
Deer Resistance: High
Zone: 4-9
Native Status:  NC native, common in the Sandhills, uncommon in the Mountains & Piedmont
Provenance: Unknown