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ornamental grass

Hot Rod Switch Grass*

Panicum virgatum 'Hot Rod'

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Hot Rod Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum 'Hot Rod') at Wagner Nursery & Landscape

Hot Rod Switch Grass

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Hot Rod Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum 'Hot Rod') at Wagner Nursery & Landscape

Hot Rod Switch Grass foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

* This is a "special order" plant - contact store for details

Height:  4 feet

Spread:  3 feet

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  3

Brand:  Monrovia

Description:

This sturdy selection forms a neat, vertical clump of striking blue-green foliage that is tinged with red in summer, then turns rich burgundy red in the fall; red plumes appear in late summer; perfect as a landscape accent, or along borders

Ornamental Features

Hot Rod Switch Grass features airy plumes of red flowers with pink overtones rising above the foliage from mid to late summer. Its attractive grassy leaves are bluish-green in color with showy dark red variegation and tinges of coppery-bronze. As an added bonus, the foliage turns gorgeous shades of burgundy and in the fall. The dark red seed heads are carried on showy plumes displayed in abundance from early fall to mid winter.

Landscape Attributes

Hot Rod Switch Grass is an herbaceous perennial grass with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cut back to the ground in late winter before active growth resumes. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Hot Rod Switch Grass is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Accent
  • Mass Planting
  • General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Hot Rod Switch Grass will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 feet. It tends to be leggy, with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, and should be underplanted with lower-growing perennials. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 15 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under typical garden conditions. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for alkaline soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selection of a native North American species. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

 

* This is a "special order" plant - contact store for details

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight Soil pH Preference
Characteristics
Accent  Massing  Garden 
Applications
Flowers  Fruit  Foliage Color  Fall Color  Texture 
Ornamental Features

What Our Clients & Customers Say

To Marc and the crew at Wagner Landscaping,
Just short note to thank you for the quality craftsmanship you delivered at our Jefferson City residence. Our home was cut into a steeply sloping lot necessitating the need for considerable water management and erosion control landscaping. The sculpturing, erosion matting, retaining wall and ditch work was completed in short order, getting us ready for the winter. We are confident that when the snow melts and the rainy season comes next year our property will be ready to handle it. Thanks and best wishes to all.

– Steve Wilhoit –

Dear Chris,
I hope this is the greatest letter of recommendation you’ve ever received – I know it won’t be your last. To anyone who reads this, I can say without hesitation that Chris Wagner should legally change his name to Mr. Boulder! (Just one look at his hands will confirm that this title has been earned.) Chris and his team tackled a very remote project for us with hustle, integrity, imagination and great execution. We couldn’t be happier with the results. If Chris says “it” – “it” happens! We are happy to enthusiastically recommend one of the finest individuals with whom we have worked.
Sincerely,
William W. Nicholson

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Contact Wagner Nursery & Landscaping Company for your next landscaping project

 

 

Family-owned and operated since 1995

Our 2 Montana garden center locations, Butte and Belgrade & Bozeman areas, provide you with quality and experience.

Wagner Nursery & Landscaping Co. Belgrade, MT

Wagner Nursery, Belgrade
220 Kendall Ct, Belgrade, MT 59714, USA
(406) 388-2559
Hours: By Appointment

Wagner Nursery & Landscaping Co. Butte, MT

Wagner Nursery, Butte
33 Holliday Dr, Butte, MT 59701, USA
(406) 782-5855
CLOSED: Except by appointment call nursery to schedule.