Panicum virgatum 'Dallas Blues'

Dallas Blues Switchgrass

‘Dallas Blues’ is a warm-season native ornamental grass perennial with broad, powdery blue to blue-gray foliage and a strong upright clumping habit. In late summer to early fall, large airy flower panicles rise above the foliage, opening with pink to purple tones and aging to tan for winter interest. The foliage often shifts to copper, rust, or golden-tan in fall, and the seed heads remain attractive into winter while also providing food and cover for birds.

Type: Warm-season ornamental grass / native perennial
Mature Size: 2–3 ft. wide × 4–6 ft. tall with plumes
USDA Zones: 5a–9b; some growers list 4a–10b depending on site and source
Form: Upright, dense, clump-forming grass
Light: Full sun to part shade; best color and strongest form in full sun
Soil / Water: Adaptable to average, dry, moist, or wet soil; drought tolerant once established and tolerant of urban conditions, erosion, black walnut, and rain garden conditions
Bloom Time / Length: Late summer into fall; airy purple-tinged panicles can remain ornamental through winter
Wildlife: Attracts and supports birds with seed and cover; also used by butterflies and beneficial insects for habitat

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for mass plantings, prairie gardens, rain gardens, naturalized borders, low screens, foundation plantings, erosion control, and winter-interest plantings. ‘Dallas Blues’ is especially valued for having some of the widest and bluest foliage among switchgrass cultivars, giving it a bold texture compared with finer grasses. Its upright habit and persistent seed heads make it useful as a four-season structure plant.

Care:
Cut back old foliage in late winter to early spring before new growth begins. Avoid heavy fertilizer, which can cause flopping. Once established, it is low-maintenance and adaptable, but full sun and lean-to-average soil help maintain the strongest upright form. Divide only when clumps become too large or the center begins to thin.

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Plant type

Ornamental Grass

Height

4-6'

Width

2-3'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Summer, Summer

Flower color

White

Fall color

Yellow

Attracts

Bees

Soil

Highly Adaptable

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Drought Tolerant Landscapes, Foundation, Mass Planting

Shape

Clump, Compact, Upright

Fruit

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes