Panicum

A more compact alternative to the generally larger Miscanthus, particularly using the species P. virgatum and many of its excellent new forms. Often upright in habit, but compact, foliage green to blue, with some producing good tones or red and purple particularly in autumn. Late into growth compared to other grass, thus blooming later in the year, but often holding its shape through winter. Cut down in late winter. Good heat tolerance, so grow in full sun.

Overwintering tussocks of all the clump-forming species of Panicum are important, sheltered hibernation sites for many beneficial predatory insects such as ladybirds, assuming the plants are not cut back in the autumn. The copious seeds in the showy seed-heads are especially favoured by greenfinches, goldfinches and pheasants. A couple of species are found increasingly widely in the wild, as a result of agricultural grain contamination, and spillage around bird-feeders.