Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
If you’re looking to add a bit of depth and texture to your landscape, this switchgrass is the choice for you. Appropriately named, this perennial grows upright, and then falls outward. This particular species, Blue Fountain, is native and very easy to grow. From green-blue hued leaves, and brown and tan flowers at the top, double the texture is added to the landscape, for most of the year.
This native grass is low maintenance. It is durable in that it is drought, heat, and wind tolerant. It provides sanctuary for animals, particularly birds. It truly works well anywhere throughout the garden or landscape, as ground cover, in containers, or even along borders.
Blue Fountain Switch Grass Care
This perennial thrives in hardiness zones four through nine. It does prefer to enjoy full sun, though it requires moist and well drained soil. This plant should be watered if a period of dry weather is observed. A rare attribute of this plant is that it is salt tolerant, so it could be used in beach or roadside landscaping in winter zones.
Prune switch grass to a few inches above the ground in early spring. It may keep some of its leaves throughout winter in warmer zones. Trimming back the old foliage will keep the grass looking fresh and encourage new growth.
Blue Fountain Switch Grass Spacing
The Blue Fountain Switch Grass can grow as tall as seven to eight feet high. For this reason, as it grows upright and falls outward, it should be spaced five to six feet apart.
Blue Fountain Switch Grass Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 4 to 9 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Full Sun (6+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 7-8 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 5-6 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Dry
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Brown
- Flower Description
- Brown
- Bloom Time
- Late Summer to Fall
- Foliage Color
- , Blue, Green
- Foliage Description
- Blue, Green
- Foliage Type
- , Evergreen
- Seasonal Interest
- , Fall Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Blue Fountain Switch Grass
- Botanical Name
- PANICUM VIRGATUM 'BLUE FOUNTAIN'
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!