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Northwest Blooms · Perennials

Panicum virgatum 'Rotstrahlbusch'

Red Switchgrass

Panicum virgatum 'Rotstrahlbusch'
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.