Easily grown in average, medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Tolerates wide range of soils, including dry ones, but prefers moist, sandy or clay soils. Will grow in part shade, but begins to lose its columnar form in too much shade, growing more openly and possibly falling over. Cut back clumps to the ground in late winter to early spring.
'Northwind' is a tall ornamental switch grass cultivar which features one of the best vertical forms of any of the many panicum cultivars currently available in commerce. Olive-green to bluish-green foliage forms a compact, narrow, erect, 4-5' tall clump of foliage which is topped in late summer by finely-textured, yellow flower panicles which hover over the foliage like an airy cloud. Flower panicles typically bring total plant height to 6'. Panicles turn beige as the seeds mature in fall with the seed plumes persisting well into winter. Foliage turns yellow-beige in fall and provides good winter interest. An introduction of Northwind Perennial Farm.
The olive green to blue green foliage of this upright ornamental switch grass forms an attractive, narrow, vertical clump to 5 feet tall. Leaf blades are topped in late summer by yellow flower panicles which hover over the grassy clump like an airy cloud. Panicles turn beige in fall, with the seed plumes usually persisting into winter. Best growth occurs in moist soils in full sun to part shade. Cut foliage back to the ground in late winter in anticipation of the emergence of new spring growth. Borders, meadows, windbreak or screen.
No serious insect or disease problems.
Best massed or in groups. Perennial borders, meadows, wild gardens or naturalized areas.
Thank You!
The Garden wouldn't be the Garden without our Members, Donors and Volunteers.
Info for
Main Navigation
Quick Links
Missouri Botanical Garden
4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110(314) 577-5100 hours and admission
Butterfly House
Faust Park, 15193 Olive Blvd. Chesterfield, MO 63017(636) 530-0076 hours and admission
Shaw Nature Reserve
Hwy. 100 & I-44 Gray Summit, MO 63039(636) 451-3512 hours and admission