Panicum Collection - Switchgrass

This collection of Upright Panicums includes three varieties of Panicum virgatum, a hardy perennial grass known for its remarkable robustness. Panicums are interesting for their narrow, changing and colourful foliage, in large upright clumps, as well as for their light inflorescences that add an arcitectural and moving touch to the garden. The flowering of these grasses begins in summer and continues into autumn, with airy panicles in soft hues. These hardy plants withstand harsh winters as well as summer drought once established.

Panicums should be planted in spring or autumn for good rooting. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, whether sandy, loamy or slightly clayey. Plant them at the back of borders or as solitary specimens to create focal points, spacing each young plant 80 cm to 1 m apart to allow them to fully flourish. Use 1 to 2 plants per m² to achieve a beautiful mass effect. In a border, place the 'Dallas Blues' variety at the back due to its height, followed by 'Heiliger Hain', and finally 'Blue Darkness' at the front for a harmonious graduated effect.

To accompany your collection of Upright Panicums, choose plants that bring colour and contrast. Combine them with 4 young plants of Verbena bonariensis, whose tall stems and small purple flowers rise among the Panicums. Add 3 young plants of Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Blue Spire', with blue spikes and finely dissected silver foliage, interspersing them between the Panicums and the verbenas. At the front, plant 2 ’Euphorbia characias to structure the whole. Finally, complete the scene with 5 young plants of Aster lateriflorus 'Lady in Black', whose small star-shaped pale pink flowers and dark purple foliage will create a beautiful harmony of colours and extend the interest of your garden until autumn. Plant the asters in front of the Panicums, alongside the euphorbias.

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