High Country Gardens
Ruby Ribbons Prairie Switchgrass
Best low-maintenance native grass for gardeners seeking vibrant seasonal color.
Ruby Ribbons Prairie Switchgrass is a stunning native ornamental grass known for its compact growth and vibrant color. It emerges with blue-green foliage, transitioning to striking burgundy-red hues by fall, especially after blooming with airy red flower sprays in late summer. This resilient perennial thrives in various soil types and moisture levels, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens. It's deer resistant and offers beautiful seasonal interest, reaching up to 4 feet in height and 2.5 feet in width. This plant is a low-maintenance addition to any landscape, providing year-round appeal.
$13.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
864
/ 3268
#864 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-49%
Below average
Patent Number
17944
/ PP#
Who it's for
- Designers needing architectural structure for winter landscapes
- Gardeners seeking dynamic, multi-season visual interest
- Xeriscape enthusiasts prioritizing low-maintenance, water-wise landscaping
Who should skip it
- Impatient gardeners looking for instant, mature results
- Gardeners with nutrient-rich or consistently damp soil
- Landscapers wanting immediate, year-round vibrant color
Performance breakdown
Seasonal Visual Impact
Stunning transition from blue-green to deep burgundy provides exceptional garden interest.
Environmental Adaptability
Thrives across diverse soil types and moisture levels with remarkable ease.
Maintenance Requirements
Low-effort perennial that stays compact and tidy without constant pruning.
Wildlife Resistance
Reliably deters deer, protecting your landscape investment from common garden pests.
Rain Garden Utility
Excellent structural choice for managing moisture in challenging landscape drainage areas.
Native Hardiness
Robust perennial performance across a wide range of USDA hardiness zones.
Key Specs
Patent Number
PP#17944
Botanical Name
Panicum virgatum 'RR1'
Growth Habit
Ornamental Grass
Mature Height
42-48 inches
Mature Spread
24-30 inches
USDA Hardiness Zones
4-8
Plant Life Cycle
Perennial
Water Requirement
Moderate
Features
- Striking burgundy-red fall foliage
- Native ornamental grass selection
- Compact and tidy growth habit
- Showy late-summer red blooms
- Tolerates diverse soil conditions
- Ideal for rain gardens
- Deer resistant
- Provides excellent fall color
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly celebrate the stunning aesthetic quality of the Ruby Ribbons Switchgrass. The transition to deep burgundy and ruby tones in late summer is a consistent highlight, providing exceptional seasonal interest and design impact. Reviewers frequently note the plant's impressive reliability and hardiness, confirming it establishes easily and thrives even in challenging conditions. This robust performance combined with the striking color makes it a highly valued addition to the garden.
Know before you buy
Yes, this grass performs best in full sun. While it will grow in partial shade, you need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight to encourage the most vibrant burgundy-red foliage in the fall.
It is highly adaptable and thrives in various soil types, including clay. Because it is well-suited for rain gardens, it handles moisture levels that might overwhelm other ornamental grasses.
Yes, it is considered deer resistant. While no plant is entirely deer-proof, deer generally avoid this switchgrass due to its texture and growth habit.
Since the mature spread is 24 to 30 inches, you should space them at least 30 inches apart if you want to see the individual form of each plant. For a denser, hedge-like look, you can space them slightly closer.
Yes, as a perennial, it should be cut back in late winter or very early spring before new growth emerges. This keeps the plant tidy and ensures the new season's foliage is healthy and vibrant.
Ruby Ribbons is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8. It is a resilient perennial that is well-adapted to cold winters within these zones.
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Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$14