PRAIRIE WINDS ‘Cheyenne Sky’ Panicum
Best low-maintenance ornamental grass for adding seasonal color to small gardens.
PRAIRIE WINDS® ‘Cheyenne Sky’ Panicum, also known as Red Switch Grass, offers a relaxing, soft rustling sound and great visual interest. This red switch grass forms a tight, V-shaped clump of blue-green foliage that turns a deep wine red in early summer, becoming saturated in color by late summer. It produces wine-red flower clusters in late summer and is sturdy enough to withstand cold winter months. This versatile grass is ideal for containers, mass plantings, or as a standalone specimen, making it an excellent addition to any garden.
$18.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1787
/ 3268
#1787 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-31%
Below average
Brand
PROVEN WINNERS® Perennials
/ PROVEN WINNERS® Perennials
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking dynamic seasonal landscape interest
- Busy homeowners prioritizing low-maintenance xeriscaping
- Small-space gardeners needing compact, versatile plant options
Who should skip it
- Shady-yard owners wanting intense foliage color
- Impatient gardeners expecting immediate, robust growth
- Gardeners with nutrient-rich soil or limited sun exposure
Performance breakdown
Seasonal Color Impact
Deep burgundy transition provides high-contrast visual interest throughout the growing season.
Structural Integrity
Tight V-shaped habit maintains a clean, upright silhouette without needing staking.
Hardiness Range
Robust performance across zones four through nine ensures reliable winter survival.
Versatility of Use
Compact size adapts perfectly to both container gardening and mass landscape plantings.
Drought Tolerance
Establishes quickly to handle dry spells with minimal supplemental watering required.
Maintenance Requirements
Low-effort perennial that thrives with basic seasonal cleanup and full sun.
Key Specs
Brand
PROVEN WINNERS® Perennials
Hardiness Zone
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Max Height
3 Feet
Max Spread
2 Feet
Exposure
Full Sun (+6 hrs.)
Soil Type
Clay
Soil Moisture Needs
Dry, Moderate, Moist
SKU
PANCS
Features
- Compact habit suitable for containers and landscapes.
- Foliage turns a deep rich burgundy as early as June.
- Forms a tight, V-shaped clump.
- Blue-green foliage turns wine red in early summer.
- Wine red flower clusters appear in late summer.
- Sturdy enough to withstand cold winter months.
- Excellent for containers, mass plantings, or as a standalone.
- Drought tolerant once established.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the PRAIRIE WINDS ‘Cheyenne Sky’ Panicum for its remarkable ease of establishment and vibrant, reliable performance. Gardeners frequently highlight how effortlessly this ornamental grass thrives, quickly developing its distinctive reddish purple foliage and upright habit. Its robust nature and minimal care requirements make it a favored choice, delivering consistent beauty throughout the growing season. Many appreciate its ability to add striking color and texture to landscapes with little effort, confirming its high quality and dependable growth.
Know before you buy
The foliage begins its transition to a deep wine red in early summer, typically around June. The color continues to intensify, reaching full saturation by late summer.
Yes, its compact, V-shaped habit makes it an excellent choice for containers. Ensure your pot has adequate drainage to accommodate its moisture needs.
This grass requires full sun, which means at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Adequate light is essential for maintaining its sturdy structure and vibrant color.
Once established in your garden, it is quite drought-tolerant. However, you should provide regular water during its first growing season to help it develop a healthy root system.
It is a very hardy perennial, suitable for zones 4 through 9. Its sturdy structure is designed to withstand cold winter months, providing visual interest even after the growing season ends.
It is quite versatile and adapts well to various soil types, including clay. It performs best in soil that ranges from dry to moderately moist.
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$19