Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Thundercloud switchgrass is a giant, native perennial grass that will prove its worth soon after planting. Its blue and green foliage provides a subtle backdrop of color to the landscape. It produces pink and tan ornamental flowerheads in late summer. True to its name, this perennial grass stands tall and proud within any landscape.
What could be a dramatic addition to a container, adds an equally dramatic effect in the landscape due to height. The impacts of this grass are far more than aesthetic, as its native nature makes it an asset. Not only does it create a protective habitat for wildlife, but it provides a winter source of food for wild birds.
Thundercloud Switchgrass Care
This native grass is hardy in zones four through nine. This grass grows quickly and easily in full sun. It’s generally low maintenance in nature. In addition, this plant is drought tolerant once established and deer resistant.
At the end of winter, before the growing season begins it would be beneficial to cut this grass to the ground. It should be left up during the majority of the winter, however, due to the cold protection it can provide for birds.
Thundercloud Switchgrass Spacing
This grass grows quite quickly, and can reach seven to eight feet in height. It should be spread two to three feet apart.
Thundercloud Switchgrass 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
- 2-3 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Clumping, Upright
- Water Needs
- Dry
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Brown
- Flower Description
- Tan
- Bloom Time
- Summer to Fall
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Green
- Foliage Type
- , Herbaceous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Thundercloud Swich Grass
- Botanical Name
- PANICUM VIRGATUM 'THUNDERCLOUD'
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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.
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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!