Panicum virgatum 'North Wind' 2L

Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'

A multi-award-winning switch grass — RHS Award of Garden Merit winner and Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year — Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' is prized above all for its strikingly upright, architectural habit. Unlike the arching form typical of most switch grasses, 'Northwind' forms a tight, vase-shaped clump of flat, blue-green leaves that stand rigidly vertical, making it a superb choice for adding strong structure to a border without sprawling.

In late summer, large, airy sprays of tiny pink and green flowers rise above the foliage, hovering like a delicate cloud before persisting well into mid-autumn. As the season turns, both flowers and foliage shift to warm shades of yellow and orange, then fade to a handsome tan-beige that holds through winter, offering valuable shelter for birds.

Reaching 1–1.5m in height with a spread of 0.5–1m, 'Northwind' is remarkably sturdy and resistant to flopping, even in exposed positions, making it ideal for formal plantings, prairie-style borders, or as a strong vertical accent among lower perennials. It's also notably drought-tolerant once established.

Grow in full sun in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Cut back to the base in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.

Each plant is hand-selected before dispatch.