Switchgrass Cape Breeze

Switchgrass Cape Breeze

Switchgrass Cape Breeze is a native ornamental grass celebrated for its elegant, upright growth habit and airy texture. Its finely textured, blue-green foliage provides soft movement in the landscape and contrasts beautifully with bolder perennials or shrubs. Growing 3–4 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide, this compact cultivar makes an excellent choice for borders, mass plantings, or as a low-maintenance specimen.

From mid to late summer, Cape Breeze produces airy, silvery plumes that rise above the foliage and persist into fall, adding visual interest and texture to the garden. Its foliage matures to subtle golden tones in autumn, providing multi-seasonal appeal. This adaptable grass is well-suited for naturalistic plantings, rain gardens, or as an accent in contemporary landscapes.

Low-maintenance and resilient, Switchgrass Cape Breeze tolerates drought and dry soils, making it a reliable choice for a variety of settings. Its upright, compact habit, combined with soft, flowing plumes, makes it ideal for garden beds, borders, or even for cutting and dried arrangements. Whether used in mass plantings or as a single focal point, Cape Breeze adds texture, seasonal color, and elegance to outdoor spaces.

Care Instructions:

Planting: Choose well-drained soil. Amend heavy clay with organic matter to improve drainage and encourage healthy root growth.
Sunlight: Plant in full sun for the best growth, color, and plume development. Tolerates partial shade but may become leggy with reduced light.
Watering: Water regularly during establishment. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental watering.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote lush foliage and plume development. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can cause weak stems.
Pruning: Cut back foliage to 3–4 inches above the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
Spacing: Space 2–3 feet apart to accommodate mature size and provide airflow.
Maintenance: Divide every few years to rejuvenate plants and maintain compact form. Remove dead or damaged stems as needed.