Panicum virgatum 'Ruby Ribbons' - Switchgrass cultivar

Sizes available: One quart

Basics: zones 4-8, 36-48" x 24-30", full sun to part shade, the tiny blooms are reddish and create a hazy effect over the foliage in late summer. The blades emerge a grey-green and turn red tones in late summer and fall, then senescing to tan for the winter. Adaptable as to soil type and moisture requirements once established. 

Common names: This is a cultivar of Switchgrass.

Family: Poaceae

Origin/Distribution: Panicum virgatum is a classic, dominant species of the Tall Grass Prairie and is widely distributed across North America. It is found on remnant prairies, pastures, and roadsides, and is native to Maine. This is a cultivar of P. virgatum.

Habitat: The species is found growing on streambanks, in open woods, and on moist to dry grasslands. 

More: This is a warm season grass, which means it is slow to wake up in spring and does its most active growing during the warm summer months. Ground-feeding songbirds and game birds will eat the seeds as will small mammals. Grasses are excellent cover for numerous species in both summer and winter. The dried stalks are beautiful in the later seasons. Grasses add sound, movement, and texture to the garden. This cultivar is somewhat shorter and more compact than the species. Cut back warm season grasses in early spring prior to new growth.

Source: Van Berkum Nursery

Image credits: Van Berkum Nursery