Quick Description
This sturdy selection forms a neat, vertical clump of striking blue-green foliage that is tinged with red in summer, then turns rich burgundy red in the fall; red plumes appear in late summer; perfect as a landscape accent, or along borders
What Makes it Special?
Hot Rod Switch Grass features airy plumes of red flowers with pink overtones rising above the foliage from mid to late summer. Its attractive grassy leaves are bluish-green in color with showy dark red variegation and tinges of coppery-bronze. As an added bonus, the foliage turns gorgeous shades of burgundy and in the fall. The dark red seed heads are carried on showy plumes displayed in abundance from early fall to mid winter.
Not sure yet? Keep reading ↓ to achieve Plant Geek Status!
Landscape Attributes
Hot Rod Switch Grass is an herbaceous perennial grass with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.
This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cut back to the ground in late winter before active growth resumes. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Planting & Growing
Hot Rod Switch Grass will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 feet. It tends to be leggy, with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, and should be underplanted with lower-growing perennials. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 15 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!
This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under typical garden conditions. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for alkaline soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selection of a native North American species. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.
Panicum virgatum 'Hot Rod'
Hot Rod Switch Grass
$25.00
$25.00
Click for Plant Facts – Height, Width, Sun, Water, & More!
Height : 4 feet
Spread: 3 feet
Sunlight: full sun to partial shade
Water Usage: dry to moist
Landscape Use: Accent, Mass Planting, General Garden Use
Flower Color: Red
Bloom Period:From Mid To Late Summer
Foliage Type: deciduous
Foliage Color: Green
Deer Resistant?: No
Spread: 3 feet
Sunlight: full sun to partial shade
Water Usage: dry to moist
Landscape Use: Accent, Mass Planting, General Garden Use
Flower Color: Red
Bloom Period:From Mid To Late Summer
Foliage Type: deciduous
Foliage Color: Green
Deer Resistant?: No
Want more info on sizes?
IndyPlants sells landscape size plant material. These often come in black nursery containers and are classified in sizes such as #2, #3, #5, etc. This correlates to the volume of the container, 2 gallon, 3, gallon, 5 gallon, etc. The bigger the number, the larger the pot, and the larger the plant. You’ll also see larger sizes such as 2” BB, 2.5” BB, 3” BB, etc. This stands for ‘Balled & Burlapped’. These plants are usually much larger and are not transported in black nursery pots. The sizing correlates to the diameter of the trunk of the tree.
Similar Products
The Blues Bluestem |
$25.00 – $56.00
Summerific Perfect Storm Hibiscus |
$38.00
Luminary Opalescence Garden Phlox |
$25.00
Your Plants, Our Promise
If there’s a problem with a plant you’ve ordered from us, we’ll make it right. Period. Drop us a line at support@indyplants.com with a brief description and photos, and we’ll get back to you ASAP.
Do you accept returns?
We do our best to handpick only the best quality plants from trusted, local nurseries. If for whatever reason your order doesn’t meet your expectations, you can return your plants for a full refund within 48 hours of delivery.
Do your plants have a warranty?
Nature can take a toll on even the best cared for plants. If your plant dies within one year from the date it was delivered, you’ll get an exact replacement to the best of our ability. If you’d prefer a substitution or a full refund, we’ve got you covered.