Heavy Metal Switchgrass is a native ornamental grass prized for its stiff upright habit, metallic blue foliage, and airy pink-tinged flower plumes in summer. Its strong vertical form adds movement, texture, and winter interest without taking over the landscape. Tough, low-maintenance, and adaptable, it is excellent for sunny borders, mass plantings, rain gardens, and modern New England landscapes.
Key Features
Metallic blue upright foliage
Native ornamental grass
Airy summer flower plumes
Strong winter interest
Durable and low maintenance
Specs
Mature Height: 4–5 ft Mature Width: 1–3 ft Sun: Full sun to part shade (best color and upright form in full sun) Growth Rate: Moderate Zone: 4a; 4b; 5a; 5b; 6a; 6b; 7a; 7b; 8a; 8b; 9a Form: Upright / columnar / clumping
Spacing Guidance
2–3 ft spacing for mass plantings 3 ft spacing in mixed borders 2–3 ft off walkways or edges
Excellent for:
Mass plantings Sunny borders Native landscapes Rain gardens Modern foundation beds Winter interest
Why Add Ornamental Grasses to Your Landscape?
Low Maintenance Performance: Most ornamental grasses require minimal pruning and thrive with little upkeep once established.
Movement & Texture: Flowing blades and feathery plumes create dynamic visual interest that changes with light and wind.
Four-Season Appeal: From summer greenery to fall plumes and winter structure, grasses provide year-round landscape impact.
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sara garcia
Great price, fast delivery. Thank you!!
Emerald Green Arborvitae - ⭐ Best Seller
James Molloy
Arrived on time. Did a clean and complete installation of our new tree. They also were able to answer a few questions as well. Very satisfied with the experience.
Installation Service
Ronni Hass
Outstanding shrubs and insallation
Miss Kim Lilac
Craig Lawrence
Ordered online and came the next day. Exactly what I was looking for. Tree was in great shape.
Ivory Silk® Tree Lilac
Anonymous
LOVE IT
Plant looks great in my garden
Brandon Arborvitae
Growzone Finder
It helps us recommend plants that are best for your local climate, based on your growing zone. Also, because we ship plants based on when they are best for your local climate, it allows us to give you a more accurate estimate of when your order will ship.
Not only was the hard-to-find honeysuckle plant I wanted beautifully healthy, but Chris made the extra effort to choose the healthiest plant of those available AND gently disentangle the vines from one another, give me a cart-ride back to my car and carefully load my prize find into my car. I will definitely look here for future plants. Many thanks!