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.
The two gentlemen that did the arborvitae installation were absolutely excellent. They listened to exactly what we wanted, mapped out the spots, and worked quickly and thoroughly to get it done. Outstanding work!
Top notch service and product quality. I didn’t know what to expect seeing the ads on Facebook, so I went to the greenhouse. They had a wonderful variety of products and a very helpful staff. The delivery and installers were fast, neat and friendly. Pro Growers will be me go to for now on!
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Pro Growers of New England, Inc
Randy Cheney
Top notch service and product quality. I didn’t know what to expect seeing the ads on Facebook, so I went to the greenhouse. They had a wonderful variety of products and a very helpful staff. The delivery and installers were fast, neat and friendly. Pro Growers will be me go to for now on!
Emerald Green Arborvitae
Cynthia Boardman
Starting with the owner, who gave us expert advice, along with a great group of installers, this company was a pleasure to work with.
Fair prices and great product. You can’t go wrong
Installation Service ($25)
Kayla Sem
Easy ordering, delivery and installation! Highly recommend ordering from Pro Growers of New England.
Green Giant Arborvitae
sara garcia
Great price, fast delivery. Thank you!!
Emerald Green 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.
