Panicum virgatum (Switch Grass)
Color Name: Cheyenne Sky
Prairie Winds' Cheyenne Sky' Switchgrass is a bold beauty that comes in a petite package, filling out just to 3' tall and 1.5' wide! This makes 'Cheyenne Sky' the perfect candidate for container displays where it provides thriller interest for years instead of months. Its show starts in early summer with upright blue-green foliage, and by mid to late summer, the entire plant erupts in red - from foliage to flowers! When planted en masse or as a specimen in the landscape, it is extremely eye-catching and blends well with perennials and shrubs. In winter, foliage can be left standing because it adds unfailing visual interest and value to wildlife as shelter.
Switch grass gets its name from the peaceful swishing sound it makes when blowing in the wind. All parts of this grass are very sturdy, and will remain standing thru winter unless snows are heavy. This provides important cover for birds during the coldest days of winter. This grass is very versatile from a design standpoint; it is effective as a specimen, in masses, for screening, alongside ponds or streams, or even in large containers.
Growing Tips: Panicum is a native grass that is very easy to grow and is a good grass for beginners. It will grow in any soil, from sand to clay, is drought tolerant once established, and even withstands periodic flooding. Grow this grass in full sun. It will tolerate light shade, but will flop over if the shade is too heavy. Panicum is wind and salt tolerant, making it a good choice for seaside gardens or along roads that are salted in winter.
Photo courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
Prairie Winds' Cheyenne Sky' Switchgrass is a bold beauty that comes in a petite package, filling out just to 3' tall and 1.5' wide! This makes 'Cheyenne Sky' the perfect candidate for container displays where it provides thriller interest for years instead of months. Its show starts in early summer with upright blue-green foliage, and by mid to late summer, the entire plant erupts in red - from foliage to flowers! When planted en masse or as a specimen in the landscape, it is extremely eye-catching and blends well with perennials and shrubs. In winter, foliage can be left standing because it adds unfailing visual interest and value to wildlife as shelter.
Switch grass gets its name from the peaceful swishing sound it makes when blowing in the wind. All parts of this grass are very sturdy, and will remain standing thru winter unless snows are heavy. This provides important cover for birds during the coldest days of winter. This grass is very versatile from a design standpoint; it is effective as a specimen, in masses, for screening, alongside ponds or streams, or even in large containers.
Growing Tips: Panicum is a native grass that is very easy to grow and is a good grass for beginners. It will grow in any soil, from sand to clay, is drought tolerant once established, and even withstands periodic flooding. Grow this grass in full sun. It will tolerate light shade, but will flop over if the shade is too heavy. Panicum is wind and salt tolerant, making it a good choice for seaside gardens or along roads that are salted in winter.
Photo courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
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Flower Color: Purple/Tan Shades Foliage Color: Burgundy/Red Shades
Height: 2 to 3 Feet Spread: 1 to 2 Feet Hardy in Zone: 4, 5, 6 |
Blooms: Fall Late Summer
Foliage Season: All Season |
Exposure
Full Sun
Partial Shade
Soil Moisture Needs
Moderate
Attributes |
 Container  Dried Flower  Native Border Cut Flower or Foilage Drought Tolerant Easy to Grow Mass Planting Salt Tolerant Specimen Plant
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Critter Resistance
Deer
