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Panicum virgatum 'Prairie Fire' (‘Prairie Fire’ red switchgrass)

Panicum virgatum 'Prairie Fire' Photo/Illustration: courtesy of Amber Wave Nursery

(Based on 1 user review)

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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Panicum virgatum 'Prairie Fire' PAN-ih-kum ver-GAY-tum Common Name: ‘Prairie Fire’ red switchgrass Genus: Panicum
'Prairie Fire' is a distinctly red form of switchgrass. Blue-green spring foliage turns shades of deep red by early summer and butter yellow in late fall. The grass persists into winter. 'Prairie Fire' has a fibrous root system that grows to more than 10 feet deep, making it drought tolerant.
 Care: Plant in full sun, and divide every three years to manage the vigorous growth.
 Propagation:

By division.


 Problems:

Black ring, rust, smut, leaf spots, damping off.
Height 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Fast Grower
Light Full Sun Only
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Moderate
Tolerance Drought Tolerant
Characteristics Native; Showy Fall Foliage; Showy Foliage
Foliage Color Colorful/Burgundy Foliage
Uses , Beds and Borders, Container, Screening
Style , Meadow Garden
Seasonal Interest , Winter Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type ,Grasses,Natives

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