Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is Perennial Plant of the Year 2022 and not without reason. If you take a closer look at the history of use of the plant, millet is known to be one of the most important types of grain, but you can also use some types of millet to create a wonderful garden - this also applies to switchgrass. The sweet grass is ideal for greening numerous garden areas and is also extremely easy to care for.
The term "millet" does not actually describe an independent plant genus. Rather, it includes different types of grass that can be used as spelled grain. In addition to species from the genera of foxtail, crabgrass, barnyard grass, lovegrass and fountain grass, this also includes some species from the proso millet (Panicum) genus.
The use of the respective sweet grasses varies from cultural region to cultural region, whereby switchgrass itself originally comes from North America. To this day it is the main food source for North American bison. And Panicum virgatum is also often cultivated as a fodder plant for livestock in North America. However, switchgrass can do much more. For example, Panicum virgatum is used as a C4 plant to produce bioethanol. A biofuel that produces significantly fewer environmental pollutants than conventional fuel. Switchgrass is also used as an organic fiber and even as a basis for ecologically degradable plastics. The husked grain is even more significant as the food of the future, because thanks to its extraordinary carbon metabolism, this millet is significantly more productive and more resistant to extremely dry and hot climates.
Switchgrass in the kitchen
Switchgrass, like many other species of the genus Panicum, has been used as a grain for thousands of years. Since the sweet grass is considered a so-called prairie grass, it grows even in very barren and dry regions. Millet is therefore the most important type of grain, especially in Africa. Not without reason, because switchgrass and Co. are particularly rich in minerals and therefore a valuable source of nutrients in countries where the population is not very we althy and persistent droughts destroy some harvests. Among the most important minerals in milletinclude:
- iron
- Fluorine
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Sulphur
- Silicon
| Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | upright, compact, clump-forming |
| Growth: | 150 - 180 cm |
| Growth: | 30 - 50 cm |
| Special Features: | hardy, easy to care for |
| Location: | Sun |
| Floor: | slightly dry to fresh, well-drained, nutritious, loamy |
Switchgrass in the garden
But switchgrass is much more than "just" grain. As an ornamental grass, the plant also has various tasks in the garden. The millet species is one of the so-called "warm-season grasses", which means that it sprout relatively late in August. On the other hand, the green clumps of Panicum virgatum last throughout autumn and sometimes even into winter.
Switchgrass grows between 60 and 200 cm high, depending on the variety and location. Larger varieties thus provide ideal privacy protection and are therefore recommended for planting on fences or on the property line. On the other hand, small variants do well in perennial or flower beds. It can also be planted individually or in a pot.
When looking at the bushy stalks of switchgrass, many are initially reminded of pond grasses such as reeds. However, it should be pointed out that Panicum virgatum only tolerates excessively moist bank soil to a limited extent. It is therefore better to plant the ornamental grass in the background of the pond. The prairie grass is better suited for "dry" garden concepts, for example:
flower garden, heather garden, natural garden, prairie garden, rose garden or rock garden.
Companion Plants for Switchgrass
There are numerous beautiful plant partners, depending on the garden style. Above all with similarly high-growing magnificent and prairie perennials such as asters, penstemon phlox, magnificent chart orConeflowers are beautiful neighbor plants. However, smaller flowering perennials and succulents (e.g. ornamental onions, sedum or daffodils) also make very good companion plants for switchgrass.
Switchgrass - location and planting
As a prairie grass, switchgrass prefers sunny and dry to moderately moist soil. Well drained, sandy-loamy or gritty-loamy substrates are best. On the other hand, soil that is too heavy impairs the flowering of Panicum virgatum. A good proportion of nutrients and humus in the substrate is recommended. The optimal pH value of the soil for switchgrass is in the acidic to slightly alkaline range, between 4.5 and 8 points.
Planting instructions in 3 steps
- 1. Step: You can plant switchgrass continuously from March to November. Planting in May is recommended for rapid establishment at the site. Gradually warming temperatures encourage rapid rooting here.
- 2. Step: If necessary, optimize the soil of Panicum virgatum before planting. In order to obtain a loose and water-permeable substrate, you can enrich the garden soil with sand or gravel. In addition, a soil drainage should be introduced into the planting hole or plant pot. Compost soil or horn shavings are recommended for basic fertilization.
- 3. Step: Dig a planting hole that guarantees the switchgrass a topsoil thickness of approx. 30 cm. The planting distance to neighboring plants is 80 cm. The clumps of Panicum virgatum come into their own in small groups of 3 to 5 pieces.
Water and fertilize switchgrass
Young switchgrass plants usually need a little more water than older plants. Accordingly, new plantings should be watered regularly in the first two years. However, once the ornamental grass has completely settled into the location, it is sufficient to water the plants once or twice a week during longer dry periods.
Panicum virgatum loves nutrient-rich soil. For this reason you can also fertilize generously. The fertilization takes place from March to September at regular intervals. It is best to give the plant organic fertilizers such as compost, horn shavings or guano here. Alternatively, liquid fertilizer can be used for potted plants. However, the plant is then no longer edible, which crop growers should bear in mind if they want to process the millet.
Cutting and propagating switchgrass
Please do not prune switchgrass before winter. The plantWith a winter hardiness down to -29 °C, it is extremely frost-resistant, but does not like icy meltwater in the root area. The dried stalks therefore form a natural winter protection and are also a sought-after refuge for garden animals that hibernate in them. Only in March, before they sprout, are the switchgrass clumps cut back in bunches close to the ground.
Propagating switchgrass
Propagation by self-seeding
Switchgrass tends to multiply uncontrollably. Some gardeners want this and let the plant do its thing. However, if you want to stop self-sowing, you should apply a root barrier in the soil when planting.
Propagation by root division
A division of the clumps of switchgrass can not only be used for controlled propagation. Dividing the roots also rejuvenates the plants, which then sprout more vigorously. It is best to do the division in late spring, using a spade to separate two equal sections. You can then immediately plant them back in the garden.
Winter switchgrass
In the open field, switchgrass does not actually need winter protection if, as mentioned, the dried clumps are left standing. But the situation is different with pot plantings. Wrap the plant tub in winter with garden fleece or coconut mats. It also makes sense to place the bucket on wooden blocks so that no cold ground can get into the pot from below.
Our recommendation for winter protection:
Popular varieties of switchgrass for the garden
There are a few extremely ornamental varieties of switchgrass that can be used for very specific purposes in the garden. They differ both in their final growth height and in the coloring of their blades of grass. Red varieties in particular conjure up incredibly beautiful accents in the garden in summer and autumn. For a better overview, here is a small selection of varieties:
Switchgrass 'Northwind'
| Switchgrass 'Northwind' (Panicum virgatum 'Northwind') | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | erect leafy stems, clump-forming |
| Growth: | 170 - 180 cm |
| Growth: | 90 - 100 cm |
| Flowering: | July - September |
| Location: | Sun |
| Floor: | fresh, well-drained, loamy-sandy, humus |
Switchgrass 'Red Ray Bush'
| Switchgrass'Red Ray Bush' (Panicum virgatum 'Red Ray Bush') | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | erect leafy stems, clump-forming |
| Growth: | 80 - 100 cm |
| Growth: | 80 - 100 cm |
| Flowering: | July - September |
| Location: | Sun |
| Floor: | fresh, well-drained, loamy-sandy, humus |
Switchgrass 'Strictum'
| Switchgrass 'Strictum' (Panicum virgatum 'Strictum') | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | compact, erect leafy peduncles, clumpy |
| Growth: | 150 - 180 cm |
| Growth: | 80 - 100 cm |
| Flowering: | July - September |
| Location: | Sun |
| Floor: | slightly dry to fresh, well-drained, loamy-sandy, humic |
Switchgrass 'Sacred Grove'
| Switchgrass 'Holy Grove' (Panicum virgatum 'Holy Grove') | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | tightly upright, leafy stems, clumpy |
| Growth: | 80 - 100 cm |
| Growth: | 60 - 80 cm |
| Flowering: | July - September |
| Location: | Sun |
| Floor: | fresh, well-drained, loamy-sandy, humus |
Diseases and Pests
No particular types of damage are known to occur on switchgrass. However, waterlogging can lead to root rot. Please do not overwater the ornamental grass and always wait until the topsoil is completely dry before watering it manually.