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Panicum virgatum Cloud Nine
Common Name: Cloud Nine Switch Grass
‘Cloud Nine’ is a tall warm-season native ornamental grass perennial with upright, loose vase-shaped growth and blue-gray to metallic blue foliage. It is one of the taller switchgrass cultivars, with airy, billowy flower and seed panicles rising above the foliage in midsummer and creating a soft “cloud” effect. The foliage turns deep gold to tan in fall, and the seed heads remain attractive into winter for movement, texture, and wildlife value. Type: Warm-season ornamental grass / native perennial Mature Size: 2–3 ft. wide × 6–7 ft. tall; up to about 8 ft. tall in bloom in strong sites. USDA Zones: 4a–9b; some nursery sources list 5a–9b. Form: Tall, upright, loose vase-shaped clump Light: Full sun to part shade; best upright habit and strongest blue color in full sun Soil / Water: Adaptable to average, dry, or moist soil; tolerates both wet and dry conditions once established. Bloom Time / Length: Midsummer into fall; airy panicles appear in midsummer, turn beige as seed matures, and persist into winter. Wildlife: Provides shelter and food for songbirds; seed heads and standing stems add winter habitat. Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent for tall screens, meadow plantings, prairie gardens, rain gardens, mass plantings, back-of-border structure, erosion control, and winter-interest plantings. ‘Cloud Nine’ is especially useful where a taller, blue-toned switchgrass is needed behind shorter perennials or grasses. Give it room, because the mature clump and airy seed heads create a large, graceful presence in the landscape. Care: Cut old foliage back to a few inches above the ground in late winter to early spring before new growth begins. Avoid heavy fertilizer, which can cause weak stems or flopping. Best performance comes from full sun and average to lean soil. Divide in spring only when clumps become too large or the center begins to thin.
| Plant Type: | Perennial |
| Width: | 2-3' |
| Height: | 6-7' |
| Fragrant: | No |
| Fruit | Yes |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Zone: | 4 - 9 |
| Deer Resistant: | No |
| Salt Tolerant: | No |
| Drought Tolerant: | No |
| Attract: | Birds |
| Exposure: | Full Sun |
| Bloom Time: | Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer |
| Landscape/Use: | Foundation, Mass Planting, Accent Plant |
| Shape: | Clump, Upright, Compact |
| Soil Type | Dry Area, Highly Adaptable |
| Flower Color: | White |
| Leaf Color: | Green |
| Fall Color: | Green |
