Panicum virgatum 'Straight Cloud'
£6.95
Out of stock
Panicum virgatum 'Straight Cloud'
An elegant upright grass with clouds of airy flowers that bring height, movement and structure to late-season borders.
Panicum 'Straight Cloud' produces a strong column of blue-green foliage topped in summer by masses of delicate, silvery flower panicles that appear to float above the plant like a soft mist. As autumn arrives, the foliage develops warm golden tones while the seed heads persist, providing months of interest and valuable habitat for wildlife.
Thriving in full sun and well-drained to moderately moist soils, this hardy switch grass forms a tidy, vertical clump that remains upright throughout the season. Its strong architectural habit makes it particularly useful for adding height without bulk, weaving beautifully through prairie-style plantings and mixed perennial borders.
Specifications
Height: 150–180cm
Spread: 60–90cm
Flowering Period: July to October
Position: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained to moderately moist soil
Maintenance: Cut back old growth in late winter or early spring
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Note for Isle of Wight Planting
Panicum 'Straight Cloud' copes well with the Isle of Wight's windy conditions and provides valuable late-season structure when many perennials are beginning to fade. Its upright habit makes it an excellent choice for adding height in coastal and exposed gardens.
Ideal Companion Plants from The Green Standard Range
Verbena bonariensis – airy purple flowers mingling naturally through the grass
Salvia 'Black and Blue' – deep blue flowers creating a striking late-season display
Sanguisorba 'Tanna' – burgundy pincushion flowers adding contrast and movement
Achillea 'Lilac Beauty' – soft mauve flower heads complementing the airy panicles
Eryngium planum 'Fluela' – architectural steel-blue flowers for a prairie-style effect
Helenium 'Moerheim Beauty' – rich copper-red flowers bringing warmth against the cool foliage
The Green Standard Tip
Use Panicum 'Straight Cloud' as a vertical accent behind lower perennials. Its transparent flower heads allow neighbouring plants to shine through, creating a naturalistic planting that looks beautiful from summer right through winter. 🌿