Panicum virgatum Thundercloud - Switchgrass

The Panicum virgatum 'Thundercloud', also known as Switchgrass or Upright Panicum, is a tall perennial grass with an imposing silhouette, distinguished by a very upright habit and excellent weather resistance. Neither rain nor wind can flatten its beautiful glaucous green foliage, which rustles peacefully. It then bears a bountiful summer flowering, positioned just above its vegetation, in large cloudy panicles of beige-pink color. It also charms with its great hardiness and extreme adaptability to all kinds of soils, although not too poor. It is a plant that can withstand summer drought, but requires full sun to thrive. A giant yet light and graphic "herb", which allows for multiple uses in the background of borders, as a screen, by water edges or in large containers, and suits all styles of gardens.

Panicum virgatum is a plant of the Poaceae family, which once reigned over the fertile plains of the American Midwest, then constituting a fodder appreciated by the immense herds of wild bison. The variety 'Thundercloud', descended from the famous 'Dallas Blues', is a remarkably columnar and upright form of this non-spreading rhizomatous plant. This semi-evergreen variety develops quite rapidly into beautiful narrow tufts, composed of long ribbon-like leaves, bluish-green, with gray highlights. They are marked by a stiffer central vein that allows the foliage to maintain an erect habit, more supple at its tip, but prevents it from bending under the rain. Its mature dimensions will reach around 2m (7ft) in height and 1m (3ft) in width, depending on the growing conditions. Flowering occurs from August to October. Clumps of foliage emerge from long stiff stems covered with light panicles measuring 50cm (20in) in length, consisting of countless small flowers tinted beige and pink, seemingly hovering like a cloud over the plant. In autumn, the foliage takes on rusty to brownish hues, then becomes brownish in winter. The plant maintains an attractive appearance during the dormant season and provides a refuge for both birds and small mammals.

European millet is mainly composed of annual species. It is from America that perennial species like Panicum virgatum come. Adapted to extreme conditions, Panicum can withstand everything: drought, cold, waterlogged soils. It is versatile and adapts to many situations in the garden. Non-suckering, this tall grass is highly appreciated when planted alone, but also at the back of slightly wild borders, planted as a screen. It can be combined with tall wild asters, such as Aster laevis, Aster turbinellus, or even Helianthus salicifolius and Verbena hastata. Its foliage trembling in the wind goes well with the sound of willow leaves, whispering near bodies of water. This plant is particularly well-suited to coastal areas as it tolerates sea spray. It is also a wonderful structuring plant, to be installed on a terrace or patio, in a large container, to create a minimalist decor in a very contemporary style.

Its deep root system helps to improve soils, protecting them in winter and enriching them with organic matter. This characteristic is used on a large scale, as it allows other plants or crops to grow on inhospitable soils, where it would not have been possible before. Panicums remain interesting even in winter, becoming good shelters for birds that feed on their seeds.