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Experience with Panicum 'Northwind?'
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Posted by petal_88 6B in MA (My Page) on Tue, Aug 17, 10 at 21:46
| Hello, I have a spot in my front foundation bed I am hoping to fill with the perfect size, complementary in color/texture with surroundings, perennial. I am left with a narrow space (about 28" diameter - possible to get a little more), after considering what the surrounding shrubs will mature at. Perfect plant would also have to be at least 4 feet tall, because it's going north and east of a group of Ilex glabra Shamrock, west of a Fothergilla Mt. Airy, and south of Cotinus Grace... Oh, what have I done?? :)
I came across someone mentioning Panicum virgatum Northwind, and it sounds like it could fit the bill. I would need something that also doesn't mind being in moist soil at times and doesn't need overly lean soil.
Apologies for the long-winded preface... My questions are:
1. Does Northwind really only get 2-3 feet wide in your experience, like the vendors say?
2. Do you think it would look out of place, being the only grass in a shrub border?
3. Has anyone ever moved this grass after planting it? I am wondering how difficult it would be to dig up if it turns out I was wrong about the spot.
4. If anyone has any other comments or observations about Northwind that could help me decide.
I am Zone 6B in Massachusetts. The area it would be going faces East and gets sun from morning until about 2:00 pm. Soil is sandy now, I would probably amend a bit if advisable. On a slight slope headed down, so drainage is good.
Thanks in advance!
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Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Experience with Panicum 'Northwind?'
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- Posted by donn_ 7b, GSB, LI, NY (My Page) on
Wed, Aug 18, 10 at 15:37
| I have 2 and 3 year old 'Northwind' plants, and they are one of my favorite grasses. The size estimates you mention are very accurate. My 3 year olds are ~4' or a bit taller. They are extremely upright, moreso than any other grass I own. They are about 12" in diameter at the crown, and no more than 24" at the widest point. They are really stunning grasses, especially in bloom. The blossoms stay within the tops of the blades, and do not tower over the grass like so many others. Moving them is easy, and they don't require any soil amendments. They favor sandy soil, so you're all set. |
RE: Experience with Panicum 'Northwind?'
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| Excellent choice and one of the best Panicum's. Our's tops out at about 5 ft. with flowers but that may be due to a slightly longer growing season here in the south. Good strict growth habit, drought tolerant, doesn't flop too bad, transplants and divides easily. Great pick! |
Here is a link that might be useful: www.uniquegardenplants.com
RE: Experience with Panicum 'Northwind?'
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| Thank you both so much! Great info, I am going to move forward with this... I can't wait! Cheers,
P_88 |
RE: Experience with Panicum 'Northwind?'
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| Yep, I've got a Northwind that's about 8 years old and just about 2 feet in diameter, grows 5-6 foot tall here and DOESN'T SPLAY. One of my two favorite grasses. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Garden Musings
RE: Experience with Panicum 'Northwind?'
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| You said "I would need something that also doesn't mind being in moist soil at times and doesn't need overly lean soil. " I wonder if other folks missed that statement. Panicums are drought tolerant & will splay if too moist. It also does best in lean soil. |
RE: Experience with Panicum 'Northwind?'
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| Thanks ProfessorRoush and Jean - I was so busy gardening last year I never came back on the site! So far so good, I will keep that in mind about not being too moist and it is better being lean. It gets quite a bit of sun in that spot so I think will be OK. It hasn't greened up yet but still a little early here. Cheers,
P_88 |
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