Also known as Switchgrass · 1.4k saves
Panicum
Panicum, the genus most gardeners know as switchgrass. We track 16 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 16 most-saved Panicum varieties
2 species of Panicum
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Panicum in Sow
Save the Panicum you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Panicum
Whats common across all Panicum varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 16 most-grown of them.
The Panicum year
- DivideMarch and April94% of varieties
Divide large, established clumps every 3-5 years in early spring.
- PruneJanuary and February81% of varieties
Cut back old, dead foliage to 4-6 inches before new growth starts
- PlantMarch, April and September38% of varieties
Plant new divisions or container stock in spring as soil warms.
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years
- Water during dry spells 🌱
- Prune dead foliage in late winter
- Water during prolonged dry spells 🌱
Avoid
- Overwater in winter ❌
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t fertilize excessively
- Never cut back in late summer
What goes wrong with Panicum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled foliage | Use organic insecticidal soap and increase humidity |
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | Monitor only; skipper caterpillars that feed on it are a benefit, not a problem |
| Japanese Beetles | May occasionally feed on foliage, but rarely cause significant damage. | Hand-pick beetles and drop them into soapy water. Damage is usually cosmetic and doesn't require chemical control. |
| Rust | Orange pustules on leaves | Apply copper fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning at base | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Generally disease-free | No significant disease issues are typical | Monitor only; no routine treatment needed |
Making more Panicum
Division
- Dig up clump in early spring
- Divide into sections with sharp knife or spade
- Replant divisions immediately
- Water thoroughly after planting
division
- Dig up mature clumps in early spring.
- Use a sharp spade to divide into sections, each with roots.
- Plant divisions immediately at the same depth.
- Water thoroughly and mulch around divisions.
- Allow 6 weeks for establishment.
Panicum questions
How many types of Panicum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 16 distinct Panicum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 1.4k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Panicum grow in?
Across its varieties, Panicum covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Panicum bloom?
Most Panicum varieties bloom in late summer, late summer to mid-fall, late summer to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Panicum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.