About This Plant
Purple Tears Switch Grass is a native grass with airy, purple-tinged flower plumes that hang like tiny teardrops in late summer. Its upright form adds movement and texture to borders and meadow plantings, with seed heads that last into winter. Deer resistant and drought tolerant once established.
Planting & Care
How to Plant
Choose a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun. Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot and plant at the same depth it was growing, gently loosening the roots. Water deeply after planting and add 2–3 in of mulch, keeping it off the stems. Hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Watering & Feeding
Water deeply 1–2 times a week for the first season, about 1 in per week. Once established, it's drought tolerant and only needs water during long dry spells. Rarely needs fertilizer; a layer of compost in spring is plenty.
Pruning & Seasonal Care
Leave standing for winter interest, then cut back to 4–6 in in late winter before new growth. Mulch in late fall to protect roots through the first winter.