Heavy Metal Blue Switch Grass Panicum virgatum heavy metal This outstanding selection forms a stiffly upright clump of powdery-blue leaves, bearing airy heads of tiny purplle-pink flowers in late summer. Usually attractive in the garden all winter long. Flowers are good for cutting, fresh or dried. Trim back to the ground in early spring. Clumps are easily divided in spring. Drought tolerant once established. Stems typically retain vertical form without flopping throughout the growing season and into winter. Foliage clump is topped in early September by large, finely-textured, purple-tinged flower panicles that hover over the foliage like a cloud. Seed plumes persist throughout winter, providing visual interest as well as food for birds. Height : 3-5 Feet Width : 2-3 Feet Exposure : Full sun to partial shade Hardiness Zones : 4-9