Panicum 'Northwind'

Panicum virgatum 'Northwind': Tall, Upright, and Unshakably Elegant

With its famously vertical form and cool, steely foliage, Panicum 'Northwind' is a pillar of strength in the garden. This award-winning switch grass forms tight, upright columns of blue-green blades that never flop—even in wind and rain. In late summer, airy golden panicles emerge just above the foliage, catching the light and dancing gently on the breeze. As fall approaches, the leaves shift to glowing shades of gold and amber, maintaining strong presence deep into winter. It’s a grass that brings discipline, drama, and four-season structure to sunny borders and naturalistic plantings.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 150–180 cm (in flower)
• Spread: 60–90 cm
• Flower Colour: Golden-bronze maturing to tan
• Flowering Period: Late summer to early fall
• Foliage: Upright blue-green blades turning golden-yellow in fall
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained to moderately moist soils; drought tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: 'Northwind' is the go-to ornamental grass for adding crisp vertical lines and architectural strength to mixed plantings. Its narrow footprint and firm habit make it perfect for borders, modern landscapes, and prairie-inspired designs. Deer resistant, drought tolerant, and incredibly low maintenance, it’s as practical as it is beautiful—and one of the finest structural grasses for Canadian gardens.

Companion Plants: Combine Panicum 'Northwind' with Salvia nemorosa 'May Night' for bold violet-blue spires at the base. Add Coreopsis grandiflora 'Sterntaler' for cheerful yellow blooms with burgundy centres that echo the grass’s autumn warmth. Introduce Echinops ritro to punctuate the planting with round, steel-blue thistles that complement the grass’s cool-toned foliage.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first season to establish deep roots. Once mature, it tolerates drought and heavy soils. Leave plumes and foliage standing through winter, then cut back in early spring before new growth appears. Divide every 4–5 years if needed to maintain vigour and form.

History: Selected by renowned plantsman Roy Diblik in the early 1990s, 'Northwind' quickly became a garden classic for its unmatched upright habit and strong adaptability. It remains a top-performing cultivar of the North American native Panicum virgatum.

Final Thoughts: With its disciplined lines and golden glow, Panicum 'Northwind' offers year-round structure, prairie spirit, and a dependable vertical anchor in both traditional and contemporary gardens.