Red Switch Grass

Panicum virgatum ‘Red Flame’ is a vigorous, warm-season switch grass with blue-green foliage that develops a vivid wine-red color by late summer. Its airy burgundy flower panicles and upright, arching form provide color and structure beyond the flowering season. ## Appearance and placement Walters Gardens lists a mature height of 3–3.5 feet and spread of 2 feet. The cultivar emerges blue-green, then develops strong red tones across much of the foliage. Use it as a specimen, in a mass planting, as a screen, or in a large container. Its stems can remain upright through winter except where heavy snow flattens them, offering cover for birds. ‘Red Flame’ is the registered cultivar denomination; its granted patent is PP35213. ## Growing conditions Plant in full sun to encourage strong foliage color. Walters Gardens lists late-summer bloom and red shades in the flower profile. The species tolerates a range of soil textures. Water during establishment, then adjust to rainfall and soil moisture. ## Maintenance This warm-season grass is described as drought and salt tolerant. Leave the seedheads for fall and winter interest, then cut the clump back in late winter to early spring before new shoots emerge. Sources: [Walters Gardens’ Red Flame profile](https://www.waltersgardens.com/variety.php?ID=PANRF), [PP35213 patent record](https://www.hort.net/pedia/patent/grant/35213/), and [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/panicum-virgatum/).