Perennial of the Month-- December 2009

(PAN-eh-cum  vir-GAA-tum)  (pronunciation at link, turn up volume if too low)

Common name: Ruby ribbons switchgrass

Family: Poaceae, grass

Height x width: 3-4ft x 2-3ft

Growth rate, habit: moderate, upright

Foliage: blue-green turning red by midsummer, darkening to wine-red by late season earlier than other similar selections; tan through winter

Flowers: airy panicles topping leaves late in season through fall and winter for extended seasonal effects

Hardiness: USDA zones 4-8

Soil: prefers moist, fertile, well-drained but will tolerate most once established, tolerates heavier soils than most other grasses

Light: full sun, may tolerate some shade with less coloring

Pests and problems: none significant

Landscape habit, uses: borders, massed, natural prairie gardens; combine with blue-leaved switchgrasses, Red Baron grass, blue fescue grasses; combines well also with perennial geraniums, tickseed, rudbeckia, sedum, echinops; flowers good for arrangements, dried flowers; deer resistant

Other interest: species is native to the U.S. tall-grass prairies; this selection from the breeding program at the Univ. of Connecticut of Dr. Mark Brand, cross of 'Heavy Metal' and 'Hans Herme'; official cultivar name is 'RR1' with Ruby Ribbons trademarked name; leaf coloration is main attraction

Other culture: cut back to 6in. or so from ground in early spring, may flop and need staking if too much shade; seldom needs dividing

Propagation: spring division, patented (PP17944) so commercially by those licensed

Sources:  specialty local and online perennial nurseries