Panicum virgatum Warrior - Switchgrass

Panicum virgatum 'Warrior', also known as switch grass, is distinguished by its upright, almost columnar habit, and its magnificent blue-green foliage turning reddish-brown mixed with scarlet in autumn. This tall perennial grass flowers in summer. It produces large, airy and paniculate brownish-pink inflorescences tinged with green. The plant maintains a magnificent habit throughout winter. It is adaptable to all kinds of soils, as long as they are not too poor. It withstands summer drought once well established, but requires full sun to give its best. This non-invasive variety is a living sculpture for the garden, both powerful and light as a breeze.

Panicum virgatum belongs to the Poaceae family, which once reigned over the fertile plains of the American Midwest, constituting fodder appreciated by the immense herds of wild bison.

The 'Warrior' variety is a variant with a distinctly upright habit of this non-spreading rhizomatous plant. This semi-evergreen grass develops quite rapidly into beautiful clumps of long ribbon-like blue-green leaves, with only the tips arched. They are marked by a more rigid central vein that allows the foliage to maintain its upright habit and prevents it from bending when drenched by rain. Its adult dimensions will reach 1.7 to 2m (6 to 7ft) in height and 1m (3ft) in width, depending on growing conditions. Flowering takes place from August to October. Clumps of foliage emerge from long stiff stems covered with large light panicles measuring 40cm (16in) in length, made up of countless small green, brown and pink flowers that form a cloud. In autumn, the foliage takes on shades of scarlet, burgundy red, or terracotta, before turning brown. This variety remains ornamental throughout winter.

European millet is mainly composed of annual species. Perennial species like Panicum virgatum come from America. Adapted to extreme conditions, panicum can withstand anything: drought, cold, and waterlogged soils. It is versatile and adapts to many situations in the garden. Non-suckering, this tall grass is highly appreciated at the back of slightly wild beds, planted as a screen. It can be planted with tall wild asters, such as Aster laevis or Aster turbinellus, or even Helianthus salicifolius and Verbena hastata. It can also form large groups near bodies of water. This plant is particularly well suited to coastal areas as it tolerates salt spray. It is a wonderful structural plant, perfect in a large container on a patio to create a minimalist scene in a contemporary style.

Its deep root system (up to 2m (7ft) deep) contributes to soil compaction, which it protects in winter and enriches with organic matter. This characteristic is used on a large scale, as it allows other plants or crops to grow on unproductive soils, where this would not have been possible before. Panicums remain interesting even in winter, when they provide shelter for birds that also feed on their seeds.