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Key characteristics

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

Perennials

Panicum virgatum 'Rotstrahlbusch'

Red Switchgrass

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.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moist, well-drained soil; drought-tolerant once established

Bloom time

July through November

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)