Panicum virgatum 'Rotstrahlbusch'

Switchgrass

‘Rotstrahlbusch’ is a warm-season native ornamental grass perennial with upright, clump-forming growth and narrow green blades that develop red to burgundy tips and streaking as the season progresses. In mid to late summer, airy pinkish-red flower panicles rise above the foliage, aging to tan seed heads that remain attractive into winter. Fall color is one of its best features, with foliage turning deep red, burgundy, and eventually tan-beige for winter texture. The name roughly translates to “red ray bush,” referring to its red-tinted foliage and bloom stems.

Type: Warm-season ornamental grass / native perennial
Mature Size: 2–3 ft. wide × 3–4 ft. tall foliage; up to 4–6 ft. tall in flower depending on site and source.
USDA Zones: 4a–9b; some sources list 3a–9b for switchgrass cultivars.
Form: Upright, arching, clump-forming grass
Light: Full sun to part shade; best red color and strongest upright habit in full sun
Soil / Water: Adaptable to average, poor, dry, moist, or wet soil; drought tolerant once established, but also useful in rain gardens and seasonally moist sites.
Bloom Time / Length: Mid-summer into fall; pink-tinged to red-burgundy panicles appear July–September and seed heads often persist into winter.
Wildlife: Seeds attract birds; foliage and stems provide winter cover for birds and small mammals. Switchgrass also supports beneficial insects and butterfly habitat.

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for prairie gardens, meadow plantings, rain gardens, naturalized borders, erosion control, low screens, mass plantings, and winter-interest plantings. ‘Rotstrahlbusch’ is especially useful where a red-toned grass is wanted without using a very tall cultivar. Its airy seed heads soften perennial borders, while the red fall foliage adds strong late-season color.

Care:
Cut back old foliage in late winter to early spring before new growth begins. Avoid heavy fertilizer, which can cause weak growth or flopping. Best color develops in full sun with lean-to-average soil. Divide in spring only when clumps become too large or the center begins to thin.

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Plant type

Ornamental Grass

Height

3-4'

Width

2-3'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Summer, Summer

Flower color

Crimson

Leaf color

Green

Attracts

Birds

Soil

Highly Adaptable

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Corner Accent

Shape

Clump, Compact, Upright

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes