Purple Tears SwitchGrass

Plant in spring or fall in average, well-drained to moist soil, spacing 18–24 inches apart. Purple Tears is a compact switchgrass variety with attractive, arching, fine-textured foliage and a weeping, mounding habit — different from the typical upright switchgrass form. It adapts to a range of soils. No special preparation needed. Water well at planting.

Cut plants back to 4–6 inches in late winter before new growth begins. The arching, mounding habit is distinctively different from most switchgrass varieties and creates a soft, flowing quality in the garden. The foliage develops good fall color. No fertilizing needed in average soils. Purple Tears is an excellent, adaptable native grass for mixed borders, rain gardens, and naturalistic plantings where a softer, more flowing grass form is desired.