Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
Out of season
New
Panicum
'Purple Tears'
switch grass
Panicum 'Purple Tears' brings a touch of understated drama to the late-summer garden, its graceful, upright form creating a soft vertical accent among perennials and shrubs. This switch grass stands tall and self-assured, forming tidy clumps of grey-green foliage that sway elegantly in the breeze. As summer matures into autumn, clouds of tiny purplish-red flowers emerge on fine, wiry stems—so airy they seem almost to hover. Each movement catches the light, shimmering gently as though the plant itself were breathing in rhythm with the garden.
As the season deepens, Panicum 'Purple Tears' reveals its most enchanting feature: the transformation of those ethereal blooms into dusky purple seedheads that persist well into winter. These add both texture and movement when most plants are winding down, and provide valuable structure against the low, golden light of the colder months. Left uncut, they’ll rustle charmingly in the wind and offer shelter to wildlife. Hardy, low-maintenance, and effortlessly elegant, Panicum 'Purple Tears' deserves a place wherever subtle beauty and year-round interest are prized.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Panicum virgatum 'Purple Tears'ᴾᴮᴿ
- Flower colour
- Purple, red
- Established height
- 1-1.5m
- Established spread
- 50-70cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Upright
Clump-forming - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green, red, bronze
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant size
- 3/5
- Plant spacing
- 5 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- No
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
-
Free draining
Dry - Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Borders
Coastal gardens
Cottage gardens
Gravel gardens
Large containers
Low maintenance gardens
Wildlife gardens - Sunlight
- Full sun
- Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 2-3 years
Thrives in full sun
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed peat-free
Drought tolerant
Low maintenance
Attracts wildlife
-20%
Paeonia 'Lemon Chiffon'
Regular price
£52.00
Sale price
£65.00
-20%
Allium azureum
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£3.12
Sale price
£3.90
-20%
Allium 'Purple Sensation'
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£3.92
Sale price
£4.90
-20%
Fritillaria meleagris 'Mix'
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£4.96
Sale price
£6.20
-20%
Tulip 'Queen of Night'
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£5.52
Sale price
£6.90
-30%
Narcissus 'Double Mixed'
Regular price
£5.25
Sale price
£7.50
Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.
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From cultivation to packaging and delivery, we are always looking for ways to lessen our environmental impact.
Growing together
Our care team of horticultural experts is on hand to support you choose and garden with confidence.
World of wonders
A collection of world-renowned flower bulbs and perennials of exceptional beauty and character.
Chosen to thrive
Every bulb and plant is sourced, selected and prepared with an expert eye for their quality and garden performance.
