Switchgrass
Panicum virgatum
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 36–72 in tall and 24–36 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Warm-season prairie grass; airy pink flower clouds; bluish foliage turns red-gold in fall.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow to medium water36–72 in tall and 24–36 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: Warren Gretz, DOE/NREL, Wikimedia Commons (PD)
- Photo 2: Peter Chen 2.0, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–9
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 36–72 in tall and 24–36 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~25–36 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- late summer, early fall
- Bloom color
- pink
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Fall color
- Red, gold
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie
Planting & establishment
Deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Switchgrass good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Switchgrass is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Switchgrass get?
- It matures to about 36–72 in tall and 24–36 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Switchgrass?
- Space Switchgrass about 25 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 36 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Switchgrass hardy on the Front Range?
- Switchgrass is hardy in USDA 4–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Switchgrass need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- What color does Switchgrass turn in fall?
- Switchgrass turns red and gold in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Switchgrass native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Switchgrass deer-resistant?
- Switchgrass is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- How long does Switchgrass bloom?
- Switchgrass blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
