Cape Breeze Dwarf Switchgrass
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Cape Breeze Dwarf Switchgrass - #2 Container is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
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This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.
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Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping
To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.
Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.
Standard Shipping Rates
At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.
From | To | S&H |
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$0 | $19.99 | $24.99 |
$20 | $49.99 | $29.99 |
$50 | $69.99 | $34.99 |
$70 | $99.99 | $39.99 |
$100 | $129.99 | $44.99 |
$130 | $149.99 | $48.99 |
$150 | $150+ | Approx 28% |
Click here to see our full rates
Buying Options for Plants
Nature Hills sells a large variety of plants with several options available. Plants are offered in both potted containers and as dormant bare root without soil. Here is a helpful resource to understand your options as you create a beautiful landscape with help from Nature Hills.
Ever wonder what a larger plant will mean for your landscape? Container Sizes are really all about the age of the plant!
Seasonally, Nature Hills offers hand selected, high quality bare root trees, shrubs and perennials. Bare root plants are sold by height from the top of the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may be taller than the height minimums.
- Popular sizes of select trees are 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, etc.
- Popular sizes of select bare root plants is 1 foot, 18 inches, etc.
Nature Hills Container Size by Volume
Keep in mind, specific varieties and different growing conditions can affect the rate at which plants grow. Variations in size may occur.
Young Plants to 18 Months | ||
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Size | Volume | |
2"x2"x3" | Ranges from | .18 to .21 dry quarts / .198 to .23 dry liters in volume |
4.5" Container | Equal to | .65 dry quart / .72 dry liter in volume |
Sprinter Pot | Equal to | .63 dry quart / .69 dry liter in volume |
4" Container | Ranges from | .31 to .87 / .35 to .96 dry liter in volume |
6" Container | Equal to | 1.4 dry quarts / 1.59 dry liters in volume |
1 Quart | Equal to | 1 dry quart / 1.1 dry liter in volume |
5.5" Container | Equal to | 1.89 of a dry quart / 2.08 dry liters in volume |
4"x4"x5" | Ranges from | .8 to 1.1 dry quarts / .88 to 1.2 dry liters in volume |
4"x4"x6" | Ranges from | 1.0 to 1.3 dry quarts / 1.1 to 1.41 dry liters in volume |
4"x4"x9" | Ranges from | 1.1 to 2.1 dry quarts / 1.2 to 2.3 dry liters in volume |
4"x4"x10" | Ranges from | 1.7 to 2.3 dry quart / 1.87 to 2.53 dry liters in volume |
Plants 18 Months - 2.5 Years Old | ||
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Size | Volume | |
2 Quart | Equal to | 2 dry quarts / 2.2 dry liters in volume |
#1 Container | Ranges from | 2.26 to 3.73 dry quarts / 2.49 to 4.11 dry liters in volume |
5"x5"x12" | Equal to | 3.5 to 4.3 dry quarts / 3.85 to 4.74 dry liters in volume |
Plants 2 - 4 Years Old | ||
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Size | Volume | |
#2 Container | Ranges from | 1.19 to 1.76 dry gallons / 5.24 to 7.75 dry liters in volume |
#3 Container | Ranges from | 2.32 to 2.76 dry gallons / 10.22 to 12.16 dry liters in volume |
Plants 3 - 5 Years Old | ||
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Size | Volume | |
#5 Container | Ranges from | 2.92 to 4.62 dry gallons / 12.86 to 20.35 dry liters in volume |
#6 Container | Ranges from | 5.25 to 6.01 dry gallons / 23.12 to 26.42 dry liters in volume |
#7 Container | Ranges from | 5.98 to 6.08 dry gallons / 26.34 to 26.78 dry liters in volume |
Plant Highlights
Cape Breeze Dwarf Switchgrass highlights at a glance!
Plant Highlights
Plant Highlights
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Brand
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Botanical Name
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Growing Zones
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Mature Height
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Mature Spread
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Sun ExposureFull Sun, Partial Shade
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Moisture
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Soil
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Growth RateMedium
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Pruning Time

Growing Zones
Easy Breezey - Cape Breeze Dwarf Switch Grass
Green mist-like plumes, the Cape Breeze Dwarf Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum 'Cape Breeze') is a compact, clump-forming native Switch Grass cultivar that adds texture, movement, and year-round interest to any landscape.
With its dense, upright habit and bright green foliage, this hardy perennial grass is perfect for small spaces, borders, and erosion control. In late summer to early fall, it produces soft, airy seed heads that create a delicate, misty effect in the garden while providing food for birds throughout winter.
Bred for improved compactness and adaptability, Cape Breeze is drought-tolerant, salt-tolerant, and deer-resistant, making it an ideal low-maintenance ornamental grass for a variety of landscapes.
>>Jump to Planting & Care Instructions
Key Features of Cape Breeze Dwarf Switch Grass
- Compact, upright growth, reaching 24-36 inches tall.
- Bright green, fine-textured foliage stays lush through the growing season.
- Delicate, feathery seed heads in late summer, lasting through winter.
- Drought-tolerant and salt-tolerant, ideal for coastal and urban gardens.
- Deer-resistant and pest-free, perfect for worry-free gardening.
- Thrives in USDA Zones 4-9, handling heat, humidity, and cold with ease.
- Native Grass cultivar, supporting pollinators and wildlife.
- Low-maintenance and highly adaptable, great for various landscape applications.
How to Use Cape Breeze Switchgrass in the Landscape
Versatile filler and color throughout the sun garden, Ornamental grasses also add motion and even soft white noise in the slightest breeze!
- Borders & Foundation Plantings
- Use as a textured backdrop in perennial gardens and mixed shrub borders.
- Pair with Coneflowers, Black-Eyed Susans, or Asters for a natural look.
- Add to foundation plantings for seasonal interest and movement.
- Mass Plantings & Erosion Control
- Perfect for stabilizing slopes and preventing soil erosion.
- Plant in large drifts for a stunning wave-like effect in the landscape.
- Coastal & Salt-Tolerant Landscapes
- Ideal for coastal gardens, as it thrives in salt spray and sandy soils.
- Combine with beach grasses and low-maintenance shrubs for a seaside-inspired look.
- Container Gardening & Small Spaces
- Compact size makes it perfect for container gardens and patio displays.
- Pair with fall-blooming perennials and ornamental kale for autumn interest.
- Winter Interest & Wildlife Gardens
- Seed heads provide winter beauty and serve as a valuable food source for birds.
- Great for naturalized areas and prairie-style plantings.
Caring For Cape Breeze Switchgrass
Plant these versatile grasses in a wide range of conditions in your landscape!
Sun & Soil Requirements
- Prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade.
- Grows best in well-drained soil, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Watering & Mulching
- Drought-tolerant once established, needing only occasional watering.
- Apply a 3-4 inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pruning & Maintenance
- Cut back to 6 inches in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
- Low-maintenance and requires minimal upkeep throughout the year.
Fertilizing
- Generally does not require fertilization, but a light application of slow-release fertilizer in spring can boost growth.
Winter Care
- Hardy in Zones 4-9, Cape Breeze withstands winter conditions well.
- Leave seed heads intact for winter interest and wildlife support.
Order Cape Breeze Dwarf Switchgrass Today!
Bring graceful movement and easy-care beauty to your garden with Cape Breeze Dwarf Switchgrass. Its compact size, lush green foliage, and delicate seed heads make it a must-have ornamental grass for any landscape.
Order now from Nature Hills Online Plant Nursery, and enjoy year-round texture and wildlife-friendly charm in your outdoor space!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cape Breeze Dwarf Switchgrass
How tall does Cape Breeze Switchgrass grow?
Cape Breeze grows 24-36 inches tall, making it ideal for small gardens, mass plantings, and containers.
When does Cape Breeze produce seed heads?
It blooms in late summer to early fall, producing delicate, airy seed heads that persist into winter.
Is Cape Breeze drought-tolerant?
Yes! Once established, Cape Breeze is highly drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for low-water landscapes.
Does Cape Breeze Switchgrass attract wildlife?
Yes! Birds love the seed heads, and they also provide a habitat for beneficial insects.
How do I prune Cape Breeze Switchgrass?
Cut back to about 6 inches in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Is Cape Breeze deer-resistant?
Yes! Cape Breeze is naturally deer-resistant, making it a great choice for areas with high deer activity.
Why Order From Nature Hills Nursery?
Nature Hills Nursery is committed to bringing the highest-quality plants to your door. Join thousands of happy customers and get all your planting needs at Nature Hills! We guarantee our plants for their first year! Check out lifelong support and landscaping ideas in our #ProPlantTips Garden Blog and online at customer-support.naturehills.com!