Panicum virgatum 'Dacotah' - Dacotah
Switch Grass
Noted for its exceptional cold hardiness, we fully expect
this variety to be 'Calgary hardy'. Both P. Dacotah and
P. Sunburst (also Calgary hardy) will bloom at least 2 weeks
earlier than our other Panicums. Both are great ornamental
plants.
Keep in mind that Dacotah is noticeably shorter than many
other Panicum sold as garden ornamentals. This can be a
real asset in smaller gardens.
According to the US Dept of Agriculture, this variety is
more drought tolerant than other Panicum cultivars.
Description: warm season*; appears to
be clumping grass, rather than a slow spreader
Foliage is green, of medium width; 90-120 cm (36-48") in
height
Flowers in Aug-Sept; 105-135 cm (42-54") tall
Form - slightly arching leaves, upright flowers
Ideal conditions: full sun; prefers moist fertile
soil, but adapts to a wide range of soil conditions
Zone: 3-9, probably colder (find
your zone; further info on plant hardiness)
Partner with: Baptisia,
Eupatorium
cannabinum, Inula
racemosa 'Sonnenspeer', Sorghastrum,
Andropogon, Patrinia
Suggested uses: borders, specimen, drifts,
groups, massed, in large containers
Season of interest: mid summer through
fall
Drought tolerance rating: 2 (water to root depth once
every 2 weeks); further info
The species is native to: the Dakotas,
northern Minnesota/Wisconsin and southern Manitoba/Saskatchewan
Recommended spacing between plants: 40-80
cm (24-32") why such a difference?
When to divide: when it shows signs of
life in the spring, continuing until the new growth is about
12" tall; only in the spring (further
info on dividing grasses)
When to plant or transplant: plant bare root plants
only in late spring to early summer, when the soil
is warm, about the same time you plant your bean or corn
seeds. The roots will grow only in warm soil. Planting too
early in the spring may cause the roots to rot. Similar
story in the fall when the roots may not grow enough to
establish before the cold and wet of winter, resulting in
the demise of the plant.
When to cut back: before the new growth
starts to appear, but after the cold weather is over. Cut
back to about 3-4" from the crown of the plant.
Pronunciation: Panicum (PAN-ih-kum) virgatum (veer-GAH-tum)
*a warm season grass likes to grow in warm weather. Before it will
show signs of life in the spring, the soil must warm up, and be warm
for possibly as long as two weeks.
More ornamental grasses
Compare Panicum virgatum 'Dacotah to
our other grasses in this handy
chart.
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