Why Plant Northwind Switchgrass?
Invincible! North Creek Nurseries outside of Philadelphia says that of the thirteen Switch Grasses in their trial garden, Northwind was the only one left standing after Hurricane Floyd struck in 1999. Northwind stands strong and proud, with relatively wide, thick, blue-green leaf blades that turn a luminous gold color in the fall. In late summer, tight, upright, pinkish plumes emerge that fade to cream. This sturdy Fringe keeps its military-straight posture throughout the winter, too. Use it to give structure to the beds and borders around your home. A block of Northwind Switch Grasses also makes an effective and sharp-looking seasonal privacy screen.
Switch Grass is an American Fringe that is native to basically the whole country except for the West Coast states, Alaska, and Hawaii. It is most fondly associated with the midwestern tallgrass prairie, where it once stood shoulder-to-shoulder with perennial Sunflowers, Big Bluestem, and other prairie plants for miles in all directions. This particular selection was introduced by Wisconsin nurseryman Roy Diblik. Diblik collected seed from a plant growing by the railroad tracks near South Elgin, Illinois, in 1982. One seedling he grew from those seeds had a remarkably rigid, upright habit. He named it after his nursery, Northwind Perennial Farm.
How to use Northwind Switchgrass in the landscape?
In 2014, the Perennial Plant Association named Northwind Switch Grass their Perennial Plant of the Year. It was only the third Fringe to receive this honor (the other two were Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass and Aureola Japanese Forest Grass). In making their selections, the PPA looks for widespread adaptability, ease of culture, multi-season interest, and resistance to pests and diseases.
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 5-9
How To Plant Northwind Switchgrass
Northwind Switch Grass is bulletproof. Simply plant it in a sunny location in any type of soil and provide regular irrigation during the establishment period. Once it has put down roots, it will be fairly drought tolerant. Northwind is also tolerant of periodic flooding, making it a good component in a rain garden. Icy weather doesn’t faze it either—ice may flatten it temporarily, but as soon as it melts, this perky Fringe pops right back up again. Be patient—Switch Grass is one of the last plants to emerge in spring.
How To Water
Water as soon as they arrive! Switchgrass plants need to be watered regularly to maintain evenly moist soil for proper establishment in the landscape.
How To Fertilize
Northwind Switchgrass does not need regular fertilizing, but we recommend using our Elements Starter Plant Food in the early spring every 2-3 years.
How To Prune
In the late winter or early spring, cut back the old growth with manual or electric hedge trimmers or a bow saw to clear the way for new growth.
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our big trees, sizes XL and bigger, require expert delivery and care, that means our extra-large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care. We deliver your trees and plants directly to you. Ask Bower & Branch about planting services – we'd be happy to assist in installation.
*For Big trees and Shrubs, Size XL and bigger: Review our Seasonal Shipping Timelines and Policy here.
Your trees and plants are grown across the United States at various Bower & Branch Growers. Depending on your location, your plant orders may be shipped from various locations. Please expect orders with multiple items to be delivered over a number of days as a result. Orders made up of numerous items or selections will not arrive at your home on the same day.
Shipping Delays:
From time to time, Bower & Branch Growers may determine to delay order shipment based on various factors for plant health. Weather in your region, as well as, where your plants are grown, is always considered when shipping. Extreme weather conditions may delay some or all of your order. Bower & Branch allows our Growers to make final shipping decisions based solely to benefit your trees and plants’ health and success.
How Does Sizing Work?
The size of our trees have nothing to do with the container size like you may find elsewhere–big doesn't mean just height - it’s also vigor, age, and overall health. Other online retailers are going to tell you that a plant is a seven gallon, that means nothing to your tree or plant (or you.)
Our trees for sale online are graded on large, x-large, and even bigger sizes. This is because our trees are sized by their age—the higher the letter, the more mature the tree. The age determines the trees’ overall height, size of the trunk and the overall branch density.
All of these characteristics are what you should be looking for when choosing a tree for immediate impact and instant curb appeal. Our extra-large tree and plant sizes are sure to wow you and your neighbors!
See the size guides below.
