Plant Library

Other Names:  syn. Panicum elegans, Witchgrass

Brand:  PanAmerican Seed

Description:

This selection forms an upright clump of medium green stems and leaves; airy plumes of green flowers and seed heads, that mature to bronze-gold, present a fine, delicate texture; dries well, perfect filler for cut flower arrangements

Ornamental Features

Frosted Explosion Witch Grass features airy plumes of light green flowers rising above the foliage from mid to late summer. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its attractive grassy leaves are dark green in color. As an added bonus, the foliage turns a gorgeous gold in the fall. The gold seed heads are carried on showy plumes with coppery-bronze overtones, which are displayed in abundance from late summer to late fall.

Landscape Attributes

Frosted Explosion Witch Grass is an herbaceous annual with an upright spreading habit of growth. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spreading
• Self-Seeding

Frosted Explosion Witch Grass is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• General Garden Use
• Groundcover
• Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Frosted Explosion Witch Grass will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 12 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 9 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. This fast-growing annual will normally live for one full growing season, needing replacement the following year. However, this species tends to self-seed and may thereby endure for years in the garden if allowed.

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under typical garden conditions. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species.; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Frosted Explosion Witch Grass is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.