I’m continually impressed by the durability and beauty of our native switch grasses (Panicum virgatum) and am consistently exploring and utilizing the many varietal options available in our area. There are many excellent switch grass cultivars featuring more pronounced blue foliage, hints of maroon foliage later in the season, bountiful height and/or girth and/or amazing flowering contributions. Every one of these has merit in the right setting.  However, I often find myself gravitating to the variety ‘Northwind’, which has a proven track record of success in the landscape as a particularly stunning, vertical accent.  This variety has proven performance and elegant, upright form but the rigid winter stature is notable as well.

Introduced by Roy Diblik of Northwind Perennial Farm (WI), ‘Northwind’ has gone on to win wide recognition (and hence, availability) including the esteemed Perennial Plant Association (PPA) Plant of the Year (2014).  Hardiness even to zone 3 with this selection is typical with an expected broad applicability in a range of soils and situations. Full sun is ideal although part sun is acceptable.  Be wary, as Panicum virgatum (all selections) will become floppy in too much shade.  Some can become notorious re-seeders in open soil situations.  I find mulched areas exhibit very few seedlings.  Drought-tolerant once established, switch grass will also tolerate walnut toxicity, salt spray and consistent moisture (excellent rain garden and bioswale candidate).  

I’ve frequently observed specimens of ‘Northwind’ around the Midwest during the growing season and in the winter months. I continue to appreciate the olive, blue-green foliage, narrow, upright form (6’ tall in flower, 2-3’ wide), golden-yellow fall color and an impressively sturdy winter presence. The wispy inflorescences are also noteworthy when they appear and summer and offer an ethereal effect.  I’ve used ‘Northwind’ switch grass as a repeated upright element throughout borders or even foundation plantings where it maintains a nice, slender silhouette and really works in the scale of most plantings.  Groupings are equally effective.  While I’ve seen rows and larger groupings of this same grass in corporate landscapes, I still appreciate the repeated vertical contributions and fine texture that really offers interest throughout the seasons (absolutely in winter!).  On occasion, I’ve even used a single ‘Northwind’ switch grass as the center piece of a container arrangement where it maintains presence into the latest of fall.