- Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 3 - 4 Feet
- Mature Spread 3 - 4 Feet
- Growing Zones 4 - 8
Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass is a stunning addition to any ornamental grass border. Not only does this tough grass tolerate seasonal flooding and droughts, but it has a wide range of colors that appear throughout the year. The steel blue blades of grass turn brilliant shades of maroon and purple in the fall, highlighting the wheat toned seedheads. The steel color looks great when planted with other green and red foliage plants. Burning bush, Snowberry and upright Junipers all make good companion plants.
Heavy Metal has a very dense upright shape that does not need additional staking to look great. Wildlife use the dense foliage growth for shelter, while non-migratory birds will snack on the seedheads all winter. Blue Switch Grass is perfect for including in a Rain Garden plan or adding some modern drama grown in a container on its own. Deer and rabbit resistant.
Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass
Switch Grass is native to North American and has very few requirements to be successful in your garden. Full sun, average texture soil that is well drained and an annual cutting back in the late winter will ensure that Heavy Metal is happy. Watering deeply and regularly the first year will help this grass establish a deep root system that will be more drought tolerant as years go by.
Switchgrass generally does not need regular fertilizing. Applying an all purpose, slow release food during the early spring every 2-3 years is the recommendation. Cutting back the old growth early in spring is a must. This will help the new growth to be robust and keep the grass tidy and fresh looking.
Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass Spacing
Heavy Metal is a compact yet taller grass that looks best when it is grouped in multiples of 3 or 5. The mature height is 3-4 feet with a spread of 2-3 feet. Planting along a fenceline or driveway as an informal low hedge is a great use for this tough plant. Space plants at 30 inches on center to maintain good air circulation.
Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 8 |
Plant Type: |
Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 3 - 4 Feet |
Mature Spread: 2 - 3 Feet |
Spacing: 2 - 3 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): Pink, White |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: July To September |
Foliage Type: Herbaceous |
Foliage Color(s): Blue, Yellow |
Foliage Description: |
Seasonal Interest: Fall Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: Drought, Salt |
Attracts: Birds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Containers, Erosion Control, Mass Planting, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance |
Brand: |
Common Name: Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: PANICUM VIRGATUM `HEAVY METAL` |
- SKU:
- 1231005338-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.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.