Photo of Panicum virgatum 'Cloud Nine' by Karl Gercens III

Photo by Karl Gercens III

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Panicum virgatum 'Cloud Nine'

Plant type

perennial, grass / grass like

size

  • H: 5'-6'
  • W: 1'-3'

planting zones

  • 4a-9b

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Panicum virgatum 'Cloud Nine' plant details

Panicum virgatum 'Cloud Nine' is a deciduous perennial grass (or grassy in appearance) with blue foliage. In fall and summer cream and tan flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun and regular water. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Panicum virgatum 'Cloud Nine'

Plant type: perennial grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: poaceae
Foliage: deciduous blue
Mature size: 1 FT - 3 FT - wide, 5 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: cream and tan blooms in fall and summer
Uses: xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Panicum virgatum 'Cloud Nine'

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

One of the tallest of the tall prairie switch grasses, this 5-6 footer has nice blue foliage and produces clouds of flowers in late summer; a Bluemont Nursery introduction. S/M
It's not sky high, but 'Cloud Nine' does impart visions of grandeur as it rises into a massive, somewhat vase-shaped, blue-green form crowned by a mist of small inflorescences. Autumn brings golden tones to the foliage. This Panicum usually maintains its elegant shape through tough winter months, and is a dynamic partner with Salvia confertiflora for the rest of the season.

Gardening facts about Panicum virgatum 'Cloud Nine' plant

How to Grow Panicum virgatum 'Cloud Nine'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • cream
    • tan
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • fall
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • grassy

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Panicum for your garden

aka Shenandoah Switch Grass

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass / Grass Like

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 3'-4'

Width: 3'-4'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular
Photo of Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' foliage by Intrinsic Perennial Gardens
View Plant

aka Prairie Switchgrass, Switchgrass

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass / Grass Like

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 3'-6'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • dry when dormant
Photo of Panicum virgatum form by Matt Lavin
View Plant

More Options

aka Blue Switch Grass

Plant Type

Grass / Grass Like

Zones

4a-10a

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' flower by Hans Mesker
View Plant

More Options

aka Prairie Sky Switch Grass

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass / Grass Like

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 3'-4'

Width: 1'-2'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular
Photo of Panicum virgatum 'Prairie Sky' foliage by Karl Gercens III
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aka Switch Grass

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass / Grass Like

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 4'-5'

Width: 24"-30"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular
Photo of Panicum virgatum 'Rotstrahlbusch' flower, landscape by Obsessive Neurotic Gardener
View Plant

More Options

+16 more Panicum
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