All About Switchgrass ‘Prairie Dog’

Your Guide to Planning, Planting and Growing Switchgrass ‘Prairie Dog’

Switchgrass ‘Prairie Dog’ (Panicum virgatum) is a compact cultivar of the native switchgrass, valued for its upright form and striking blue-green foliage. This shorter variety typically grows to a height of 3 to 4 feet, making it perfect for smaller gardens.

Known for its strong, snow-tolerant stems, it adds visual interest to the winter landscape while offering shelter for birds. This switchgrass has small, teardrop-shaped flower seeds that appear in the summer with purplish-reddish tips. It turns to shades of yellow in the fall and lightens further in the winter.

Plan for Success
Full to Part Sun 
‘Prairie Dog’ thrives in full sun and grows well in sandy, clay, or loamy soils with moderate to wet moisture. Once established, it becomes tolerant of drought conditions.

Hardiness Zone 4-9
Switchgrass 'Prairie Dog' is reliably hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9. This means it can tolerate the temperatures found in these zones, which range from -30 to -40°F in the north (zone 4) to 20 to 30°F in the south (zone 9).

Bare Root vs Potted
Bare root perennials often provide better value, a wider selection, and potentially healthier plants than potted ones. They typically establish more quickly, grow faster, and are easier to plant.

When to Plant
Planting bare root ornamental grasses in the fall gives them time to develop a strong root system before winter, resulting in healthier growth and more vibrant displays in spring. The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall of fall create ideal conditions for root establishment.

Plant your bare root grass within a week of bringing it home. If you are unable to plant within a week and need to push out planting up to 2 weeks, keep the roots moist, but not saturated. You can wrap them in a paper towel or burlap and secure them with twine. Store in a cool, dark place (unheated shed or garage).

How to Plant

Before planting, hydrate the roots by submerging them in water for at least an hour to ensure they are hydrated.

1. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the roots and the same depth in a well-drained, shade location
2. Place the roots in the hole with the top of the root crown slightly higher than the surrounding soil
3. Build a water-retaining berm around the hole to retain moisture
4. Backfill the hole halfway with soil and water thoroughly to eliminate any pockets of air around the roots.
5. Continue backfilling with soil until the soil is level.
6. Water deeply.

Where to Plant
Prairie Dog’s compact habit is ideal for many landscape settings. Use as a border along the front of taller perennials. Its tidy form adds structure and texture without overpower surrounding plants, making it perfect for creating curb appeal and softening front house walkways. Combine with coneflowers, black-eyed Susans and liatris to create a pollinator haven. Its deep roots are great for erosion control. Its compact size makes it suitable for containers and patio planters as long as they are watered more regularly than their garden counterparts.

What to Expect
 

Spring Planted Switchgrasses
When planting a bare root Switchgrass ‘Prairie Dog’, you can expect a somewhat slow start, but with proper care, it will establish well and grow into a healthy, attractive plant. You may see no foliage or just a few brownish ones because it is dormant. This is normal! Focus on the roots and potential rather than the top of the plant.

The roots will be exposed and may look dry. Soaking them before planting is helpful. In the first 2 weeks after planting, you won’t be able to see it, but the roots will begin to wake up. Within 3-6 weeks, you may see new green shoots start to emerge, especially if the weather is warm. Growth is slow and modest at first, so be patient. By one full season, you will see a tidy clump of grass about 3ft tall and 8” wide. Over the years, it will gradually get larger and reach its full potential by the 3rd growing season at 3-4ft tall and 2ft wide.

Fall Planted Switchgrasses
When planted in the fall, these grasses benefit from cooler temperatures and moist soil, allowing their roots to establish before winter. While top growth may not be immediately vigorous, the root system will develop underground, setting the stage for strong, healthy growth in spring. After going dormant for the winter, growth begins in early spring and will be gradual as the temperatures rise but will become steady as the season progresses.

How to Care for Switchgrass ‘Prairie Dog’
Switchgrass ‘Prairie Dog’ is an easy-to-grow ornamental grass, growing best in full sun and moist soil, but is drought tolerant, adjusting to various temperatures and soil conditions. This low-maintenance plant is resistant to disease and not bothered by pests.

It is one of the most low-maintenance and resilient ornamental grasses you can grow. Keep the soil consistently moist when newly planted. Once established, minimal water is required; water only during prolonged dry periods. 

Leave the stems standing through winter as they look beautiful with frost/snow and offer wildlife shelter. Cut back to 4-6” above the ground in early spring, before new growth begins. Divide every 3-5 years in the spring if it becomes crowded or needs rejuvenation.