Panicum virgatum Cloud Nine

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

Height

6-7'

Width

2-3'

Hardiness zones

4–9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Summer, Summer

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Birds

Soil

Dry Area, Highly Adaptable

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Foundation, Mass Planting

Shape

Clump, Compact, Upright

Fruit

Yes

Drought tolerant

No