Plants

Panicum virgatum ‘Hot Rod’ is a compact, ornamental switchgrass that stands out for its earlier and more dramatic foliage color than other switch grass cultivars. Starting with blue-green leaves in spring, the plant quickly transitions to deep burgundy by early summer, providing vibrant color throughout the entire growing season.

This cultivar reaches a height of 3 to 4 feet with a narrow, upright form, making it perfect for smaller gardens, containers, or borders. It’s known for its sturdy, upright stems, which resist flopping, even in windy or rainy conditions. In late summer, airy, reddish-purple flower panicles rise above the foliage, offering additional visual interest that persists into winter. ‘Hot Rod’ is adaptable to various soil types, drought-tolerant once established, and hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 9, making it a versatile and reliable choice for both residential and commercial landscapes.