2021-2022 Hoffman Nursery Catalog of Grasses

PANICUM
PANICUM
We grow the North and Central American native Panicum virgatum and its cultivars. These popular
grasses have more than good looks—they’re valuable for their ecological function and resilience.
They provide food and shelter to wildlife. Deep, fibrous root systems help them tolerate poor soil
and drought; they thrive without fertilizer; and they’re easy to maintain. With abundant moisture and
fertility, they grow freely and can flop, so grow on the lean side. P. virgatum was popular in Europe
before it became a landscape standout in the U.S. Now breeders are giving us an exciting range of
selections. For a snapshot of our lineup, see the Switchgrass Comparison Chart on page 65.
Panicum virgatum
SWITCHGRASS
A native prairie grass that is also a handsome
garden plant. Grows in an upright habit with a
cloud of airy seed heads. Easy to grow in varied
conditions: wet, dry, sun, hot. Tolerates clay,
infertile, and sandy soils. Spectacular covering
large areas, eliminating the need for mowing
and fertilizing. Provides food and shelter to
birds and wildlife; thrives virtually maintenance
free.
Warm season, green, 3’, 3.5’ with blooms, sun,
dry-moist, flowers midsummer, Zones 4-10, Origin:
North and Central America
Panicum virgatum
Panicum virgatum ‘Cape Breeze’ PP24895
CAPE BREEZE DWARF SWITCHGRASS
‘Cape Breeze’ is a short, dense Switchgrass with
profuse blooms. It is salt tolerant, flowers early,
and stays green into fall. Good size for parking
lots, containers, and as a filler; shares the
toughness and adaptability of the species. Discovered
on Martha’s Vineyard and introduced
by North Creek Nurseries, Landenburg, PA.
Panicum virgatum ‘Cape Breeze’ PP24895
Warm season, green, 2’, 2’-3’ with blooms, sun,
dry-average, flowers late summer, Zones 4-9, Origin:
North America
62 We grow good grass! ®