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Description
Panicum Virgatum Cloud Nine is a warm-season grass that is native to North America. It is known for its striking appearance and is a popular choice for ornamental gardens. This grass is clump-forming and can grow up to 5 feet tall. Its leaves are long and narrow, with a blue-green color that turns yellow in the fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Panicum |
Appearance
Panicum Virgatum Cloud Nine is a tall grass with blue-green leaves that grow up to 5 feet tall. Its leaves are long and narrow, with a width of about 1/4 inch. The plant produces large, airy panicles that are up to 12 inches long and 6 inches wide. These panicles are made up of many small spikelets that are about 1/8 inch long.
Care Guide
Panicum Virgatum Cloud Nine is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. It is drought-tolerant and can thrive in a variety of soils. However, for best results, it should be planted in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. This grass prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.Water: Panicum Virgatum Cloud Nine requires moderate watering. It should be watered deeply once a week during dry periods.Fertilization: This grass does not require regular fertilization. However, a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring to encourage growth.Soil: Panicum Virgatum Cloud Nine prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: This grass prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Panicum Virgatum Cloud Nine can grow in hardiness zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Panicum Virgatum Cloud Nine is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to rust, which appears as orange, powdery spots on the leaves. To prevent rust, the grass should be watered at the base and not from above. Insect infestations are rare, but if they occur, they can be treated with insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Panicum Virgatum Cloud Nine is native to North America and can be found in prairies, meadows, and along riverbanks. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Panicum Virgatum Cloud Nine a perennial?
A: Yes, Panicum Virgatum Cloud Nine is a perennial grass.
Q: What is the best time to plant Panicum Virgatum Cloud Nine?
A: Panicum Virgatum Cloud Nine should be planted in the spring after the last frost.
Q: Can Panicum Virgatum Cloud Nine be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Panicum Virgatum Cloud Nine can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How often should Panicum Virgatum Cloud Nine be fertilized?
A: Panicum Virgatum Cloud Nine does not require regular fertilization. A slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring to encourage growth.
Related Plants
- Panicum Virgatum Heavy Metal
- Panicum Virgatum Shenandoah
- Panicum Virgatum Northwind
References
- “Panicum Virgatum ‘Cloud Nine’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c745.
- “Panicum Virgatum.” NC State Extension, 1 Aug. 2018, https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/panicum-virgatum-switchgrass
