Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Panicum virgatum 'Rotstrahlbusch'
Red Switchgrass

- Family
- Poaceae
- Height
- 36–48 inches
- Width
- 18–24 inches
- Flower color
- Soft, airy purple flower panicles that darken with age
- Foliage color
- Green foliage that matures to deep maroon with coppery-bronze tinges
- Bloom time
- July through November
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moist, well-drained soil; drought-tolerant once established
- Maintenance
- Low; cut back to 3–4 inches in late winter
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4–9
- Wildlife
- Attracts songbirds; deer-resistant
About this plant
Panicum virgatum 'Rotstrahlbusch' is an ornamental grass known for its vibrant red foliage. The plant's narrow, green leaves gradually transition to red hues as the season progresses, creating a fiery effect. 'Rotstrahlbusch' also produces airy, purple flower panicles in late summer to early fall, that darken with age, adding texture and lightness to the landscape. The feathery flowers contrast beautifully against the bold, red-tinged leaves, offering visual interest throughout the growing season.
This switchgrass variety thrives in well-drained, fertile soil and full sun. It forms a more upright, compact mound with a slight arch, making it ideal for smaller spaces and more formal plantings. Once established, 'Rotstrahlbusch' is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, requiring little care beyond occasional watering during dry spells.
Works well in
Borders · Cottage Gardens · Bird Gardens · Waterwise Gardens · Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Catmint · Heucheras · Lady's mantle · Hellebores · Hardy geraniums · Hostas
Design tip
Use it as a steady framework plant, repeating it along a bed to tie separate plantings together. It takes sun or light shade, which makes it useful along the changing light of a bed edge or a partly shaded border.
