All About Switchgrass ‘North Wind’

Your Guide to Planning, Planting and Growing Switchgrass ‘North Wind’

Switchgrass ‘North Wind’ is a standout ornamental cultivar of Panicum virgatum. This 2014 PPA Plant of the Year is a striking, upright ornamental grass valued for its strong vertical habit and distinctive foliage. Its clumping form showcases olive- to blue-green leaves that turn a vibrant golden yellow in autumn.

In late summer, it produces airy golden flower panicles that add a soft, graceful texture. A native of North America, this adaptable cultivar thrives in a range of soil conditions and provides year-round visual appeal, thanks to its persistent seed heads and winter structure.

Plan for Success
Full to Part Sun
Switchgrass prefers full sun with 6+ hours daily. It can tolerate part shade, but too much shade can lead to floppiness.

Hardiness Zone 4-9
Switchgrass 'Northwind' 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

‘North Wind’ is perfect for screens, mass plantings, tight borders along walkways or as a feature plant at the back of the border. Its upright form persists through winter where it can provide shelter and seeds for birds and other wildlife. Excellent for erosion control, soil stabilization and restoration plantings.

What to Expect
 

Spring Planted Switchgrasses
When planting a bare root Switchgrass ‘North Wind’, 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 4-5ft 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 ‘North Wind’

Switchgrass ‘North Wind’ is a top-tier option that combines beauty, low maintenance, and ecological function. Care is simple—it’s 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 early spring or late fall to maintain vigor, prevent the centers from drying out and to multiply your plants!