Height at Maturity:  7' foliage; 8' in bloom

Width at Maturity:  5-7'
Spacing:  5' for mass plantings, 10'+ for space between plants

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Maintenance / Care:  Very Low 

Towering up to 8 feet tall and nearly wide, 'Thundercloud' is a magnificent giant among the Switch Grasses, and is equally beautiful as it is large. It is an excellent alternative to Pampas Grass in both cold and hot climates (USDA Zones 4-9). This North American native forms a sturdy upright clump of gracefully arching blue-green foliage that does not flop over in heavy wind or rain. In late summer cloud-like airy plumes of pinkish-tan flowers float just above the foliage persisting well into winter. The flowers are excellent for use in fresh or dried flower arrangements and quail and songbirds gobble up the tiny seeds while using the sturdy foliage clumps as a cold weather shelter. As an extra bonus, the foliage turns a splendid deep golden yellow in fall. Needless to say this one needs a little more space to accommodate its size. It is perfect at the back of the perennial or ornamental grass garden but also stands well on its own as a specimen or in grouping or as a natural hedge in the landscape. As with other Panicum varieties, Thundercloud is highly adaptable tolerating wet or dry conditions in average to poor soil and as much sun as you can give it. It never requires fertilizer to stay strong and healthy. Easy to grow, it is a  magnificent presence in the landscape.

A North American native grass, Thundercloud Switch Grass is very easy to grow in a wide range of soils, even clay, sandy and dry soils, though it prefers the soil to be moist. It doesn't like an organically rich soil so there's no need to add compost or humus to the native soil when planting. It grows best in full sun but will tolerate some light shade. That said, too much shade and plants might become floppy. Maintenance is minimal. No need to feed. Cut clumps back to just above the ground in late winter before new growth begins to emerge.