- Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 3 - 4 Inches
- Mature Spread 3 - 4 Inches
- Growing Zones 4 - 10
Panicum virgatum 'Purple Tears', commonly known as Purple Tears Switchgrass, is an attractive native grass with striking seedheads. This selection was discovered by landscape designer Piet Oudolf, who appreciated its form and color. The flowering spikes in late summer are a soft gray color and mature into showy purple seed heads. This grass stays light green through the fall, and has a narrow, upright form. It is easy to grow and adds graceful movement to the landscape.
Purple Tears is a warm-season grass that puts on most of its growth during the warm summer months. It reaches 3 – 4 feet high and forms a clump less than 2 feet across. This grass is resistant to drought, salt, and deer. Plant it in drifts at the back of a meadow or prairie garden, or use it in a rain garden or bioswale for stormwater management.
Purple Tears Switchgrass Care
Purple Tears Switchgrass grows easily in full sun to part shade. It adapts to a wide range of soil types and moisture levels, although it requires well-draining soil. It is not particular about soil pH levels. It does not require fertilizer and will flop in overly rich soil. Apply a thick layer of compost around the base to conserve moisture.
Cut this grass to the ground in late winter or early spring to make room for new growth. It requires no special care in the winter.
Purple Tears Switchgrass Spacing
For planting a drift of Purple Tears, space these plants approximately 18 inches apart, center on center. This grass can also be grown in a large container at least 18 inches in diameter with large drainage holes.
Purple Tears Switch Grass Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 10 |
| Plant Type: |
| Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 3 - 4 Inches |
| Mature Spread: 12 - 18 Inches |
| Spacing: 12 - 18 Inches |
| Habit: Upright |
| Flower Color(s): Purple, White |
| Flower Description: |
| Bloom Period: |
| Foliage Type: Deciduous |
| Foliage Color(s): Green |
| Foliage Description: |
| Seasonal Interest: Fall Interest, 3 Season Interest |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: Deer |
| Tolerates: Drought |
| Attracts: Bees, Birds |
| Container Role: |
| Uses: Borders, Containers, Mass Planting, Wildlife Gardens |
| Features: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance |
| Brand: |
| Common Name: Purple Tears Switch Grass |
| Other Name(s): |
| Scientific Name: PANICUM VIRGATUM `PURPLE TEARS` |
- SKU:
- 1231010657-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.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
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
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
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