In order for a plant to be nominated for the perennial plant of the year, certain criteria is addressed to the candidate that has to be met. These includes low maintenance, adaptability, and disease and insect resistance. For this year, an ornamental Switchgrass by the cultivar name of 'Northwind' blew out all the competition.Northwind is an upright form of Panicum virgatum, commonly known as Switchgrass. This species of panicgrass has a wide distribution across the North American continent. It is a denizen of prairies, fields, shorelines, and wet meadows from the East Coast to the Rocky Mountains, and from Canada to the Gulf Coast. Northwind is a warm-season grass and does most of it's growth during the hot summer months.
This wide distribution and range of habitats makes it an adaptable plant. A deep fibrous root system allows for excellent drought tolerance once established. It is naturally found growing in a wide variety of soils, including clay and poor soil conditions. It also has good tolerance to salt. Most insect herbivores leave this grass alone, but it does provide a good larval food source for a host of butterfly species. Deer and rabbits tend to leave this plant alone.
Northwind has attractive blue-green foliage that appears in the spring, and holds the color all summer. It is slow to emerge in the spring, but it will rapidly grow once warm weather kicks in. Once late summer hits, Northwind sends out plumes of blue-green panicles. Foliage turns golden-yellow in the fall. To keep interest going through the season, Northwind has attractive tan foliage in the winter, and it holds up even in the snowiest conditions. This grass makes a great border in full sun, and is attractive in groupings with other perennials. It is also a popular grass to hide air condition units in a sunny location.Northwind is a great native alternative for Miscanthus or Karl Foerster grasses. It's origins were from seeds collected in South Elgin, Il so it is well adapted to our climate. Give Northwind a try this year in your yard and see how it performs.
