Panicum amarum

Panicum amarum is a botanical grass originating from coastal and sandy areas of North America. It stands out from other species with its firmer and thicker leaves of a beautiful blue-green colour. This large deciduous and perennial grass blooms at the beginning of summer, with large airy spikes. The spikes are initially pink, before turning purple in autumn. It is adaptable to dry, poor, and sandy soils. Very hardy, it requires full sun to give its best. This non-invasive plant is a boon for coastal gardens, and dry or wild gardens. It is both powerful and light as a breeze.

Panicum amarum belongs to the Poaceae family, naturally occurring in an area ranging from the East Coast to the Gulf of the United States, to northern Mexico, the Bahamas, and Cuba. This perennial grass grows from a thick rhizome, forming clumps at least 1.5m (5ft) high (over 2m (7ft) in its natural habitat) and 60cm (24in) wide. It has a rather upright habit, but the leaves located at the base and at the periphery of the clump are gracefully arched towards the ground. The plant has thick and firm leaves, 50cm (20in) long, with a pleasant glaucous to bluish colour. The inflorescence is a narrow panicle that can reach 60cm (24in) long and 14cm (6in) wide. Flowering takes place from June to September, initially taking a medium pink shade before turning purple in autumn. It is followed by the formation of a few low-viability seeds. Indeed, this grass mainly reproduces vegetatively.

European millet is mainly composed of annual species. Perennial species like Panicum amarum come from America. Adapted to extreme conditions, panicum can withstand anything: drought, cold, and waterlogged soils. It is versatile and adapts to many situations in the garden. Non-suckering, this tall grass is highly appreciated at the back of slightly wild flower beds, with pink or white flowers, or planted as a screen. It can form large groups near bodies of water. This plant is particularly well suited to coastal areas as it tolerates salt spray, and can be used to stabilise the soil of an embankment or stabilise a dune, alongside Ammophila arenaria or Leymus arenarius. It is a wonderful structural plant, perfect in a large container on a patio to create a minimalist scene in a contemporary style.