Photo of Panicum amarum 'Dewey Blue' by Danger Garden

Photo by Danger Garden

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Panicum amarum 'Dewey Blue'

Also Known As

  • Dewey Blue Switchgrass

Plant type

perennial, grass / grass like

size

  • H: 48"
  • W: 24"

planting zones

  • 2a-9b

More Options

Panicum amarum 'Dewey Blue' plant details

Panicum amarum 'Dewey Blue' is a broadleaf deciduous perennial grass (or grassy in appearance) with blue and green foliage. In fall tan flowers emerge. Features glaucous and grassy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and occasional - low water. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something for erosion control and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Panicum amarum 'Dewey Blue'

Plant type: perennial grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: poaceae
Foliage: deciduous blue and green
Mature size: 24 IN wide, 48 IN tall
Flowers: tan blooms in fall
Uses: border plant, cottage garden, rock garden, winter interest, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Panicum amarum 'Dewey Blue'

USDA Zones: 2a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer, erosion and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Populating Delaware's coastal sand dunes near the town of Dewey, noted grass expert, Rick Darke selected this kingly Panicum for its blue, oh-so-blue smooth glaucous blades and elegant fountainlike stance. Distinctive straight-up stems bolster light airy plumes, followed by caramel-colored seed heads persisting well into winter. 'Dewey Blue' is not only a stunning showman but an enduring workhorse whose slowly spreading rhizomes form clumps that are vital in stabilizing seashore ecosystems, as well as withstanding hot dry summers and varied garden soils.
Slowly spreading 4' tall grass with blue leaves and graceful, fountain form.

Gardening facts about Panicum amarum 'Dewey Blue' plant

How to Grow Panicum amarum 'Dewey Blue'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - low
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • erosion control
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • tan
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • fall
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • glaucous
    • 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
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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
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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
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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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Plant Type

Perennial, Grass / Grass Like

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 5'-6'

Width: 1'-3'

  • sun
  • regular
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