How big does Switchgrass grow?

About 1.8 m × 90 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.9–2.1 m × 0.6–1 m.

What soil does Switchgrass grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous.

Is Switchgrass hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Switchgrass flower?

Flowering: June–October, pink.

How much water does Switchgrass need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: high.

How much does Switchgrass cost?

It sells for roughly €4.10 to €57 in local shops, depending on size.

Switchgrass

Panicum virgatum

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is an ornamental grass that reaches 1.8 m × 90 cm after ten years. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about €4.10.

Illustration of Switchgrass — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

An upright, columnar ornamental grass that carries airy, cloud-like flower panicles from midsummer, turns golden yellow in autumn and stays standing through winter. In sun it grows in almost any soil and puts up with both drought and occasional wet. It flops in shade or over-rich soil, and needs cutting back to the ground in late winter.

Watch out for

It opens up and flops in shade and in over-rich soil. It can self-seed where it is happy, and the seedlings do not always come true to the cultivar. Rust may show on the leaves in warm, humid summers.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 1.8 m × 90 cm
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–October, pink

Group	Ornamental grass
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	1.8 m × 90 cm
Ultimate size	0.9–2.1 m × 0.6–1 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	June–October, pink
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	70 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €4.10

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
25-30 cm	approx. €12
size not stated	approx. €4.10 – €57

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Plants for screening Plants for containers Ornamental grasses Plants with autumn colour Ornamental grasses with autumn colour

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