Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Switchgrass adds height, color, and texture to a landscape while requiring very little care. The Cape Breeze Switchgrass or Panicum virgatum is a lovely specimen with broad, narrow foliage that arches and gently sways. The green foliage has a slight purple hue early in the season and has bronze accents by fall. Tall panicles, or flower spikes, stand above the foliage and create a feathery, cloud-like texture.
The Cape Breeze Switchgrass is a tall grass that can lend a bed or border texture or can cover a foundation wall. This plant is native, so it requires minimal care once acclimated, making it an excellent option for gardeners who are not very involved. Pollinators enjoy the flowers, but the foliage is deer-resistant for added convenience. Grow this grass as a perennial in USDA zones 4 through 9.
Cape Breeze Switchgrass Care
Full sun and rich soil that is moist but well-drained is necessary for this plant. Cape Breeze Switchgrass is drought-tolerant but water to keep the foliage healthy during a dry period. An application of fertilizer each spring will ensure continued growth.
The foliage stays in place all year, providing consistent visual interest. Trim back dead growth in the spring to support new foliage.
Cape Breeze Switchgrass Spacing
Cape Breeze Switchgrass will grow 24 to 30 inches tall and 20 to 24 inches wide. Plant switchgrass 20 to 24 inches apart.
Cape Breeze Switch Grass Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 9 |
| Plant Type: |
| Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 24 - 30 Inches |
| Mature Spread: 20 - 24 Inches |
| Spacing: 20 - 24 Inches |
| Habit: Upright |
| Flower Color(s): White |
| Flower Description: Ivory |
| Bloom Period: Summer |
| Foliage Type: Evergreen |
| Foliage Color(s): Green |
| Foliage Description: |
| Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: Deer |
| Tolerates: Drought, Salt |
| Attracts: Birds, Butterflies |
| Container Role: |
| Uses: Erosion Control, Groundcovers, Mass Planting, Wildlife Gardens |
| Features: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance, Native to North America |
| Brand: American Beauties Native Plants |
| Common Name: Cape Breeze Switch Grass |
| Other Name(s): |
| Scientific Name: PANICUM VIRGATUM `CAPE BREEZE` |
- SKU:
- 1231006985-pc
Container Sizes
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.
Quart Pot
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
2.5 Quart
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
#1 Pot
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
#2 Pot
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
#3 Pot
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
#5 Pot
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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Arrival Guarantee
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Pre-Ordered Plants
Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated Spring Shipping Schedule
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
| Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
|---|---|
| Zone 10 | March 24th |
| Zone 9 | March 31st |
| Zone 8 | April 7th |
| Zone 7 | April 14th |
| Zone 6b | April 21st |
| Zone 6a | April 28th |
| Zone 5b | May 5th |
| Zone 5a | May 12th |
| Zone 4 | May 19th |
| Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants Shipping Now
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.