Panicum Merlot

A new Knoll Gardens selection for autumn 2023. Produces masses of airy pink red flowers supported by generally upright stems and green foliage that develops many shades of wine red and purple as the season progresses. Best in sunny open positions with soil that is not too winter wet. Height 1.2m – 1.5m.

Panicum Merlot, like many a fine wine of the same name, has been some years in the making. For more than a decade Knoll has been trialling seedling selections of the prairie switch grass, Panicum virgatum, with the aim of producing a selection that will not only perform well in the variable UK climate, but which would also offer reliable red toned foliage as well as flower. Following the last few years of final evaluation we are delighted to offer Panicum Merlot to UK gardeners.