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Panicum virgatum 'Trailblazer'

Also Known As

  • Trailblazer Switch Grass

Plant type

perennial, grass / grass like

size

  • H: 4'-5'
  • W: 2'-3'

planting zones

  • 5a-9b

More Options

Panicum virgatum 'Trailblazer' plant details

Panicum virgatum 'Trailblazer' is a deciduous perennial grass (or grassy in appearance) with blue and red foliage. In fall cream and red flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Attracts butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly 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 'Trailblazer'

Plant type: perennial grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: poaceae
Foliage: deciduous blue and red
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 4 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: cream and red blooms in fall
Uses: border plant, easy-to-grow, fall color, rock garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Panicum virgatum 'Trailblazer'

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Selected from the native prairie grasses of the Midwest for its larger, showier seed heads, this graceful new cultivar has a long list of admirers, including several butterfly species. Sheer red-tinted flower clusters wave good-bye to summer as blue-green blades flaunt a blaze of old golds and maroons that promise to brighten your autumn and maintain a winter presence.

Gardening facts about Panicum virgatum 'Trailblazer' plant

How to Grow Panicum virgatum 'Trailblazer'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • red
    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • cream
    • red
  • Wildlife

    • butterflies
  • Flower Season

    • fall
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • grassy

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
View Plant

More Options

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass / Grass Like

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 5'-6'

Width: 1'-3'

  • sun
  • regular
Photo of Panicum virgatum 'Cloud Nine' by Karl Gercens III
View Plant

More Options

+16 more Panicum
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