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American Beauties®

Northwind Switch Grass

Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'

  • Rigid Columnar Form Resists Heavy Snow Load Without Flopping or Bending Over
  • Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 5-9
  • Grows 4.5-5 ft Tall, 2.5-3 ft Wide
  • Showy Yellow Blooms From Late Summer to Early Fall
  • Drought Tolerant, Pollution Tolerant
$5876
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Out of stock
Outside your zone (): not guaranteed Why

Rated for zones 5 to 9. Great in a pot brought indoors for winter, or as an annual.

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Houseplant: grows indoors in any zone
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Plant Size

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Hardiness Zone 5a9b
Sunlight Full sun, Partial shade
Height 4.5-5 ft
Width 2.5-3 ft
Growth Rate Moderate
Watering Needs Low
Preferred Soil Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Landscape Use Hedge & Privacy, Border, Mass Planting
Growth Habit Bushy, Compact, Upright
Blooms In Fall, Summer
Flower Color Yellow
Plant Life Cycle Perennial
Native Yes
Native To Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
+38 moreshow less* Browse only. We cannot ship live plants to Montana.
Plant Characteristics Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Native, Fall Color/Interest, Deer-resistant, Clay Tolerant, Drought resistant, Heat Tolerant, Salt Tolerant, Wet Soils, Slopes/Erosion Control, Hedge/Screen, Non-invasive
Botanical Name Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'
Does Not Ship To AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, PR, UT, VI, WA
This product has no reviews of its own. The merchant grouped it with related products, so the reviews shown are from across that group.
S
Shelly (United States)
barely 3" tall waited almost passed planting time

barely 3" tall waited almost passed planting time, had 2 other grasses i ordered almost at the same time cancelled during planting season. I guess they sold more than they had?? won't order again, not dependable on stock.

W
William
Good packaging / Transportation

The plants arrived in sturdy packing with the roots moist. Planted and surrounded by mulch. Waiting until spring 2020 for final review (to see if they survive the winter).

Hello William,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us! We’re delighted to hear that your plants arrived safely with moist roots and sturdy packaging. Planting them with mulch is a great way to help protect their roots during winter, so you’re definitely taking the right approach.

As you wait for spring, keeping an eye on moisture levels and protecting newly planted areas from extreme cold will also support their survival. Should you want tailored care tips specific to your plant varieties, feel free to reach out—we’re always here to help with personalized advice.

We look forward to hearing how they thrive in the new season and truly appreciate you choosing NatureHills.com for your garden.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

W
William
Good packaging / Transportation

The plants arrived in sturdy packing with the roots moist. Planted and surrounded by mulch. Waiting until spring 2020 for final review (to see if they survive the winter).

Dear William,

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! We're glad to hear the plants arrived securely with moist roots – that packaging is designed precisely to keep your new additions safe and healthy during transit. It sounds like you’re off to a great start by planting and mulching them; that will definitely help protect the roots over winter.

As you wait for spring, we recommend keeping the mulch layer fresh and somewhat moderate in thickness to insulate roots without retaining excess moisture that can lead to rot. If cold snaps get severe, a light cover, such as burlap, can offer extra protection. Feel free to check our online care guides anytime for tips customized to your plant varieties—they can be a big help during the colder months.

We look forward to hearing how your plants thrive next season and are here to support you along the way.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

L
Linda
Northwind switch grass

I have my northwind switch grass, planted in front of my front porch as a hedge for privacy, and it makes my front-door area very private. I'am very happy with the privacymy north wind switch grass gives me at my front door area, I planted it there, because it does grow to 6' tall, which is why I bought it. I'am a huge fan, and love my Northwind Switch grass, Linda in Oklahoma ;)

Hi Linda,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Northwind Switchgrass! We’re thrilled to hear that it provides the perfect privacy hedge for your front porch—6 feet tall is just the right height to create that cozy, private space. Your enthusiasm truly brightens our day, and it's wonderful to know our plants are thriving in Oklahoma’s environment.

If you ever need tips on seasonal care or want to keep your switchgrass looking its best year-round, feel free to reach out. We’re always here to help your garden flourish!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

L
Linda
Northwind switch grass

I have my northwind switch grass, planted in front of my front porch as a hedge for privacy, and it makes my front-door area very private. I'am very happy with the privacymy north wind switch grass gives me at my front door area, I planted it there, because it does grow to 6' tall, which is why I bought it. I'am a huge fan, and love my Northwind Switch grass, Linda in Oklahoma ;)

Dear Linda,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Northwind Switchgrass! We’re delighted to hear that it’s providing you the perfect privacy you desired right in front of your porch. It sounds like it’s doing exactly what you hoped—growing tall and creating that lovely hedge effect. Your enthusiasm truly brightens our day!

If you ever have questions about ongoing care—like ideal watering schedules or seasonal maintenance tips to keep your grass lush and healthy—please don’t hesitate to reach out. We also offer a variety of resources on our website tailored to helping your Northwind Switchgrass thrive in Oklahoma’s climate.

Happy gardening, and thank you again for being a valued part of our community.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Northwind Switch Grass prefer, and can it handle clay or sandy soils?
  • Northwind Switch Grass is extremely adaptable and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including clay and sandy soils. It even thrives in wet soils, making it perfect for rain gardens or areas with poor drainage. Plant it anywhere from dry xeriscaping sites to waterlogged spots for reliable performance in zones 3-9.

How much water does Northwind Switch Grass need after it's established—is it drought-tolerant?
  • Established Northwind Switch Grass is very drought-tolerant and described as water-wise. This hardy native thrives in zones 3-9 with minimal irrigation once established. Water regularly the first year, then reduce to occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.

Is Northwind Switch Grass deer-resistant?
  • Yes, Northwind Switch Grass is deer-resistant. Deer naturally avoid this native grass, making it an excellent choice for problem areas where deer browsing is common. Plant it en masse in remote garden spots or use it as a natural barrier in zones 3-9.

How do I care for Northwind Switch Grass, including pruning or cutting back?
  • Northwind Switch Grass is extremely low maintenance and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions in zones 3-9. As a warm-season grass, cut it back to 4-6 inches in late winter before new growth begins. It handles wet soils well and is drought tolerant once established.

Does Northwind Switch Grass spread aggressively or reseed itself?
  • Northwind Switch Grass spreads gradually through rhizomes but is not considered aggressive like some ornamental grasses. This improved native selection maintains a controlled, upright clumping habit in zones 3-9. Expect manageable spread that's easy to divide when needed, available at naturehills.com.

What size plants are available for purchase, like bare root, gallon pots, or larger?
  • Northwind Switch Grass is typically available in 1-gallon containers from most nurseries. This hardy zones 3-9 perennial reaches 6 feet tall at maturity, so even smaller starter plants establish quickly. Plant in spring after soil warms since it's a warm-season grass.

Can Northwind Switch Grass be shipped bare root, and what are the shipping restrictions?
  • Northwind Switch Grass ships as potted plants, not bare root, since ornamental grasses establish better with intact root systems. This hardy zones 3-9 perennial can ship spring through fall. Order early in the season for best establishment before winter.

How long does it take for Northwind Switch Grass to reach maturity?
  • Northwind Switch Grass typically reaches its full 6-foot mature height within 2-3 growing seasons. As a warm-season grass in zones 3-9, it puts on most of its growth from late spring through summer. Plant in spring after soil warms for best establishment.
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