Grass, Ruby Ribbons™ Switch Grass

Ruby Ribbons Switch Grass is a dense fast-growing ornamental grass native to the prairies of North America.  The stiff upright green foliage turns metallic blue with red overtones in summer with the red intensifying as the weather cools.  In mid-summer stems holding airy clusters of tiny smoky purple flowers raise above the foliage like a cloud which turn brown in fall and persist through winter.  Prefers part sun and moist well-drained soils.  

Type:	Orn. Grass
Origins:	Central and East N. America; GA Native
Height:	4' - 5'
Spread:	2' - 3'
Spacing:	2’
USDA Hardiness Zone:	4 - 9
Culture:	Full Sun, Part Sun
Bloom Color:	Purple
Season of Interest:	Summer, Fall, Year-Round

MAINTENANCE NEEDS:  Low maintenance plant. Too much shade will lose its upright form.  Beetles and mites are occasional problems.  Root and crown rot may occur in poorly drained soils. Some susceptibility to rust.

LANDSCAPE USES: Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Naturalized Areas, Woodland Garden, Wildlife Gardens, Bog Gardens, Rock Gardens, and Containers.

COMPANION PLANTS: Blanket Flower, Salvia, Tickseed

IMAGE: Prides Corner, Panicum virgatum Ruby Ribbons™ ('RR1')

*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.