Panicum v. ‘Red Flame’ PPAF (30)ct Flat

Description

Product Description

Panicum v. ‘Red Flame’ PPAF (30)ct Flat

Common Name: Red Switch GrassA boldly colored grass with native roots, ‘Red Flame’ is primed to set your garden ablaze in late summer. This warm season grass emerges with blue-green foliage before turning almost completely wine red by summer’s end. Compared with classic varieties like ‘Shenandoah’, ‘Red Flame’ has a greater saturation of red color on each leaf and incredible vigor. Use this grass for its color, texture, and durability in the landscape.

Switch grass gets its name from the peaceful swishing sound it makes when blowing in the wind. All parts of this grass are very sturdy, and will remain standing thru winter unless snows are heavy. This provides important cover for birds during the coldest days of winter. This grass is very versitile from a design standpoint; it is effective as a specimen, in masses, for screening, alongside ponds or streams, or even in large containers.

Height: 3.0-3.5 FeetSpread: 2.0 FeetHardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8,9Flower Color: Purple-red shadesFoliage Color: Red shadesFull Sun Low to Consistent Water NeedsPoor to Fertile Soil QualityBloomtime: Late SummerDeer ResistantSeasonal Interest: Dried Seed Heads, Fall ColorGrowth Rate: Medium

Border Plant, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Dried Flower, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Attractive Foliage, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant, Focal Point, Native to North America

Panicum virgatum ‘Red Flame’ is a stunning variety of switchgrass that brings fiery color and graceful texture to gardens. It is a popular choice for its vibrant foliage, upright habit, and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions. Here is a closer look at what makes it special:

Appearance:

• Foliage: ‘Red Flame’ emerges with blue-green foliage in spring, which gradually transforms into a rich, wine-red color by late summer. The fine-textured leaves create a beautiful, flowing effect in the garden.
• Flowers: In late summer, airy clusters of tiny pink-tinged flowers appear above the foliage, adding a delicate touch to the display. These flowers eventually mature into brown seed heads that persist through winter, providing visual interest and food for birds.

Growing Conditions:

• Light: Thrives in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight) for optimal color development and a more robust growth habit. It can tolerate some light shade but may flop over in too much shade.
• Soil: Adaptable to a wide range of well-drained soils, from sandy to clay. It is tolerant of both moist and dry conditions once established.
• Water: Prefers regular watering, especially during the establishment period. Once established, it has good drought tolerance.

Characteristics:

• Mature Size: Reaches a height of 3-3.5 feet with a spread of 1-2 feet, forming an upright, clump-forming habit.
• Hardiness Zones: Suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4-9, making it a versatile choice for various climates.
• Growth Habit: Forms a dense, upright clump that adds vertical interest to the garden.

Why it is Popular:

• Vibrant Color: The fiery red foliage of ‘Red Flame’ creates a dramatic and eye-catching display in the garden, especially in late summer and fall.
• Native Roots: As a native grass, ‘Red Flame’ is well-adapted to a variety of conditions and supports local ecosystems.
• Durable: It is a tough and durable plant that can withstand heat, humidity, drought, and even periodic flooding.
• Low Maintenance: ‘Red Flame’ is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established.
• Wildlife-Friendly: The flowers attract pollinators, and the seed heads provide food and shelter for birds.

Uses:

• Borders: Adds vertical interest and vibrant color to garden borders.
• Naturalized Areas: Its adaptability and native roots make it an excellent choice for naturalized areas and meadows.
• Mass Plantings: Creates a stunning display when planted in groups, providing a sea of color and texture.
• Containers: Suitable for container gardening, where its size can be controlled, and its beauty can be enjoyed on patios or balconies.
• Erosion Control: Its strong root system helps prevent erosion on slopes and banks.

Additional Information:

• ‘Red Flame’ is a cultivar of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), a native North American grass.
• It is a warm-season grass, meaning it starts growing actively in late spring and reaches its peak in late summer and fall.
• Leaving the seed heads in place over winter provides visual interest and food for birds.
• Dividing clumps every few years helps maintain plant vigor and prevents overcrowding.

Overall, Panicum virgatum ‘Red Flame’ is a fantastic choice for gardeners seeking a vibrant, low-maintenance, and adaptable ornamental grass.

Its fiery red foliage, upright habit, and wildlife-friendly nature make it a valuable addition to any garden, bringing beauty and texture throughout the growing season and beyond.

Thirty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 4.25 inches deep x 2 inches wide.

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