Switch Grass 'Cape Breeze'

Cape Breeze is a compact, upright switch grass selected for its tidy stature and early flowering. Its green foliage persists late into autumn, with red tones at the tips as cooler weather arrives. ## Garden Use Use it in borders, native plantings, or rain gardens where a smaller prairie grass is useful. North Creek Nurseries lists a mature height of 24–36 inches and spread of 20–24 inches, with hardiness Zones 4–9. The narrow, upright clump brings fine texture without the scale of taller switchgrass selections. ## Growing Conditions Grow in full sun or part sun in average to moist soil with good drainage. North Creek reports that Cape Breeze tolerates both drought and standing water; water well after planting and regularly until established. The nursery describes the selection as early flowering and notes that its foliage can stay green until late October. ## Maintenance This selection is low-fuss once established. Cut back old stems in late winter or early spring before the new season’s growth begins, and water during prolonged dry spells while young. [North Creek Nurseries Cape Breeze plant page](https://www.northcreeknurseries.com/plant-name/Panicum-Cape-Breeze) · [North Carolina State Extension switchgrass profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/panicum-virgatum/common-name/wild-redtop/)