PRESALE
Fall 2023 Shipping Schedule: 3/1/2024
Our national attention is turning to climate change. All the data say it's crunch time, and that plants are essential for building communities that can withstand these changes. A 2016 report from the EPA explored ways green infrastructure can improve community resiliency. Experts and stakeholders outlined strategies to help communities prepare for and mitigate the effects of climate change. Strategies included managing flood risk, reducing urban heat island effects, and decreasing the energy needed to manage water. Ornamental grasses and sedges can be part of the answer in all the case studies cited in the EPA report. Grasses and sedges anchor the plantings that help clean our water, reduce flooding, and lessen the effects of rising temperatures. Let's work towards a better environment.
About this Variety
Panicum virgatum 'Thundercloud' PP20665 Need a screen, accent or back-of-the-border plant? Look no further than the big, bodacious Panicum virgatum ‘Thundercloud’. Rising to 8 feet with an impressive crown of airy, open panicles, Tall Switchgrass has a magnificent presence in the landscape. The panicles persist well into the winter, making a great addition to cut flower arrangements. Its upright foliage resists flopping, even under heavy winds and rain. ‘Thundercloud’ is a cross between Panicum virgatum ‘Cloud Nine’ and Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’. Its appearance is most similar to two other blue foliage cultivars, Panicum virgatum ‘Dallas Blues’ PP11202 and Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’, but has a more open flower and taller habit. Propagation is strictly prohibited.
Highlights
- Big, bold and bodacious - rising 8 feet
- Ships as a dormant young plant in a 3.25" nursery pot, in its sleeping beauty stage
- Dormant plants ship without leaves nor flowers as it's all about the roots
Exposure:
Full Sun
Blooms:
Mid Summer
Height:
Grows 8' tall
Spacing/Depth:
Plant 7' apart, with root ball even with ground level
USDA Zones:
Hardy in USDA zones 4-9
Growing Instructions
Dig a hole two times the width of the Liner pot. Set top of root ball even with ground level. Combine planting mix and garden soil. Fill to ground level and tamp down firmly. Water to settle soil. Add layer of mulch to retain moisture and discourage weeds. Water regularly for the first year, then as needed once established. Feed with a quality fertilizer following application and frequency instructions, typically just before and during the growing season.
Care Tip
Do not overfertilize. This causes weak growth and plants will be prone to flopping.