Absolutely ideal for growing in decorative containers, this hardy Red Switch Grass is a perennial substitute for Pennisetum 'Rubrum'. Measuring in at just 3' (2' before blooming), 'Cheyenne Sky' forms a tight, vase-shaped clump of blue-green foliage that begins turning wine red in early summer.
By late summer, nearly the entire clump is drenched in color and is topped by matching wine-red flower panicles held just above the foliage. It makes a dynamite specimen plant and is even more eye-catching when planted en masse.
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 versitile from a design standpoint; it is effective as a specimen, in masses, for screening, alongside ponds or streams, or even in large containers.
Ornamental Grasses of the PRAIRIE WINDS® Collection add graceful texture and movement to the garden. These varieties thrive in full sun growing conditions and are proven deer resistant.
The PRAIRIE WINDS® trademark is owned by Walters Gardens, Inc.
30ct Plug Tray |
72ct Plug Tray |
Height:
3.0 Feet
Spread:
1.5 Feet
Hardiness Zones:
4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color:
Red shades
Foliage Color:
Purple shades
Sunlight:
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Water Requirements:
Low Water Needs Average Water Needs Consistent Water Needs
Soil Quality:
Poor Soil Quality Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality
Soil Chemistry:
Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
Bloomtime:
Late Summer
Critter Resistant:
Deer Resistant
Seasonal Interest:
Dried Seed Heads Fall Color
Growth Rate:
Medium
Garden Style:
Patio Container Eclectic Modern Prairie Rain Garden
Other Features:
Border Plant Container Cut Flower Cut Foliage Dried Flower Drought Tolerant Easy To Grow Attractive Foliage Mass Planting Salt Tolerant Focal Point
Origin:
Native to North America
Panicum is 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.
Container:
Premium 1 Gallon Pot
When to Plant:
Summer - late summer or spring
Finish:
7-9 weeks
Notes:
Save finished 1 gallon plants to step up into 3-5 gallon containers in the fall. This will yield large plants for the following season.
Container:
Trade 1 Gallon Container
When to Plant:
Early to mid summer
Finish:
12-14 weeks
Notes:
Save finished 1 gallon plants to step up into 3-5 gallon containers in the fall. This will yield large plants for the following season.
Growing Temperature:
Rooting out: 65-72° F,
Growing: 65-75° F
Holding Temperature:
50-60° F outdoors
Soil PH:
5.8-6.3
EC (What is EC?):
2.5-3.5 pour through method
Fertility:
Heavy feeders, apply 150-200ppm constant liquid feed.
Vernalization:
8-12 weeks of cold is required for flowers.
Pests & Diseases:
Although not typically problematic, keep an eye out for crown rot, leaf spots, and rust.
Potting & Timing:
Plants should be planted under warm temperatures and long days for good root establishment.
Moisture:
Moderate to moist.
Planting Level:
Plant plug level with soil line.
PGRs/Pinching:
No pinching or growth regulators are necessary if grown outdoors. If growing in a greenhouse, plants can be trimmed during production to increase fullness and decrease height, but no more than 1/2 of the height should be trimmed off.
Lighting:
Long days required for growth.
Other Comments:
'Cheyenne Sky' and other Panicums with deep red coloration typically need direct sunlight to develop the best foliage color.
Grower Tips:
Warm season grasses such as Panicum are best grown in summer of the year prior to sales for best results.
Farwest Show -- Favorite Perennial/Grass -- 2008
Chicago Botanic Garden Plant Evaluation Top Performer -- 2018
Height:
3.0 Feet
Spread:
1.5 Feet
Hardiness Zones:
4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color:
Red shades
Foliage Color:
Purple shades
Sunlight:
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Water Requirements:
Low Water Needs Average Water Needs Consistent Water Needs
Soil Quality:
Poor Soil Quality Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality
Soil Chemistry:
Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
Bloomtime:
Late Summer
Critter Resistant:
Deer Resistant
Seasonal Interest:
Dried Seed Heads Fall Color
Growth Rate:
Medium
Garden Style:
Patio Container Eclectic Modern Prairie Rain Garden
Other Features:
Border Plant Container Cut Flower Cut Foliage Dried Flower Drought Tolerant Easy To Grow Attractive Foliage Mass Planting Salt Tolerant Focal Point
Origin:
Native to North America
Panicum is 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.
Container:
Premium 1 Gallon Pot
When to Plant:
Summer - late summer or spring
Finish:
7-9 weeks
Notes:
Save finished 1 gallon plants to step up into 3-5 gallon containers in the fall. This will yield large plants for the following season.
Container:
Trade 1 Gallon Container
When to Plant:
Early to mid summer
Finish:
12-14 weeks
Notes:
Save finished 1 gallon plants to step up into 3-5 gallon containers in the fall. This will yield large plants for the following season.
Growing Temperature:
Rooting out: 65-72° F,
Growing: 65-75° F
Holding Temperature:
50-60° F outdoors
Soil PH:
5.8-6.3
EC (What is EC?):
2.5-3.5 pour through method
Fertility:
Heavy feeders, apply 150-200ppm constant liquid feed.
Vernalization:
8-12 weeks of cold is required for flowers.
Pests & Diseases:
Although not typically problematic, keep an eye out for crown rot, leaf spots, and rust.
Potting & Timing:
Plants should be planted under warm temperatures and long days for good root establishment.
Moisture:
Moderate to moist.
Planting Level:
Plant plug level with soil line.
PGRs/Pinching:
No pinching or growth regulators are necessary if grown outdoors. If growing in a greenhouse, plants can be trimmed during production to increase fullness and decrease height, but no more than 1/2 of the height should be trimmed off.
Lighting:
Long days required for growth.
Other Comments:
'Cheyenne Sky' and other Panicums with deep red coloration typically need direct sunlight to develop the best foliage color.
Grower Tips:
Warm season grasses such as Panicum are best grown in summer of the year prior to sales for best results.
Farwest Show -- Favorite Perennial/Grass -- 2008
Chicago Botanic Garden Plant Evaluation Top Performer -- 2018
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