
This deciduous ornamental fountain-like grass is renowned for its steely coloured blue-grey to blue-purple leaves, which form stiff, upright clumps that turn yellow in autumn. The pink flowers, which appear in late summer and early autumn, add an airy elegance. 'Heavy Metal' is one of our recommended plants, because it's perfect for providing vertical interest in a sunny, new perennial border.
How to care for Panicum virgatum Heavy Metal:
Lift and divide congested colonies between mid-spring and summer
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1.5m
Eventual spread:
0.75m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
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This grass dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.