Panicum virgatum �Cheyenne Sky�
Common Name(s):
Cheyenne Sky Switchgrass
Red Switchgrass
Synonym:
Switchgrass
Flower:
Pink
Blooms :
Jul
to:
Oct
Flowers small, grass flowers without petals or sepals, occurring in large panicle inflorescences
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
NO
Family:
Poaceae
Grass
Foliage:
Green
Bluish green linear leaves turn burgundy red by late June
Fall Color?
YES
Blue-green foliage changes to deep burgandy, coppery bronze and purplish hues by fall
Foliage remains on plant through winter
Photo by:
Heading 6
Seed plumes persist well into winter, leaves turn beige
Oregon Native?
NO
West State Native?
NO
Origins:
North America but most common from central great plains states
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
4
Water Needs:
M
Sun Needs:
Full Sun
Deer Resistant?
NO
Firewise?
YES
Height:
2-3'
Spread:
1.5-2'
Growth Rate:
Fast
Native Habitat:
Tallgrass prairies in North America
Soil:
Average, medium to wet soils
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Low
Fertilizer:
Requires no supplemental fertilizer
Mulch:
Provides its own mulch by just cutting back stems and leaving them in place
Full sun, minimal fertilization, annual pruning
Long Term:
Winter:
None
Spring:
Cut back the foliage to about 4-6 inches in the spring before growth resumes. When foliage is removed, spring growth will begin earlier. Old foliage left on the plant can delay the crown�s warming and subsequent growth by as much as 3 weeks.
Summer:
Minimal fuss is needed but watch for pests and diseases
Fall:
Grasses do not need to be cut down before winter. In fact, they are attractive when left standing and the foliage helps to insulate the crown of the plant.
General Care Comments:
Tolerant of drought, erosion, dry soil, wet soil, black walnut, air pollution
Common Problems
Flopping in strong winds, heavy rain
Diseases:
Rust
Insects:
Japanese beetles, thrips, spider mites
Environmental Problems:
Flopping if plantedi n too rich soils
Pests:
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.