Prairie Winds® Cheyenne Sky Red Switch Grass

Panicum virgatum PRAIRIE WINDS 'Cheyenne Sky'

Proven Winners®

Wine-Red Foliage Transforms from Summer Through Fall in Compact 2-3 Foot Clumps
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-9
Grows 4 ft Tall, 3 ft Wide
Native, Pollinator-Friendly Perennial
Stunning Tan Fall Foliage

$65⁶³

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Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Plant in full sun where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can handle light shade, the best upright form and intense burgundy-red fall color require plenty of sun; too much shade can make the grass floppy and the color more green than red.
Soil: This grass is adaptable and thrives in average, well-draining soil. It tolerates clay and sandy soils well, but avoid boggy or constantly wet spots which can cause root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water deeply once a week to help the root system establish. Once established, this switch grass is quite drought-tolerant and only needs supplemental water during prolonged dry spells to keep the foliage looking fresh. Consistent moisture helps maintain the best color, but overwatering can lead to weak stems.

Pruning Tips

This is a warm-season grass, meaning it actively grows later in the spring. Cut the foliage back to about 3 to 4 inches above the ground in late winter or very early spring before new green shoots appear. Leaving the foliage standing through winter provides landscape interest and protects the crown, but cutting it back clears the way for fresh, vigorous new growth.

Fertilizer Needs

Switch grass generally does not require heavy feeding and often performs better in leaner soils. If growth seems sluggish, apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers later in the season, as this can cause lush, weak growth that flops over instead of standing tall.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Drought resistant, Flowering, Attracts pollinators
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	4 ft
Width	3 ft
Watering Needs	Low
Growth Rate	Moderate
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Fall, Summer
Flower Color	Green
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Indoors, Outdoors
Plant Name	Grass
Botanical Name	Panicum virgatum PRAIRIE WINDS 'Cheyenne Sky'
Species	virgatum
Cultivar	Cheyenne Sky
Class	Poales
Does Not Ship To	AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, MT, PR, NV, OR, WA

Wine-red waves of grain? Introducing the Prairie Winds® Cheyenne Sky Red Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum PRAIRIE WINDS 'Cheyenne Sky') that is wonderfully resilient in cold and brings tallgrass prairie vibes in a compact, space-saving size!

From the plant experts at Proven Winners®, Cheyenne Sky forms a tight, v-shaped, 2-3 foot tall clump of gorgeous blue-green foliage! Standing upright with its blade tips gracefully arching downward for a lovely fine-textured fountain effect.

The real show starts in early summer when the tips of those arching blades turn wine-red! Then by late summer, the plant is almost entirely saturated in color and crowns itself in wine-red flower plumes!

Panicum Cheyenne Sky is hardy enough to withstand the cold winter throughout USDA growing zones 4 to 9. The plumes and blades persist for winter interest in the garden and, unless covered in snow, will turn a shade of tan. This warm-season grass may show up to the spring party late, but shows off big time for the rest of the year!

Planting and Application:

This versatile Ornamental Grass is great in containers, mass plantings, or can stand alone! Plant in any sun garden bed or container garden to gain a color-changing and easy-care Ornamental filler! Cheyenne Sky Red Switch Grass offers a relaxing, soft rustling sound as it sways in the breeze, and also adds a great visual interest in the sunny landscape. Get the look of prairie grass without sacrificing space!

Prairie Winds® displays a nice architectural touch in the perennial border, giving you winter texture and interest where many plants die back during the coldest months. Topped by 1-foot tall blooms of burgundy that make fine indoor fresh and dried cut flowers and attract birds in the autumn garden, Cheyenne Sky is a masterpiece in a manageable size and form! Add to your Rock gardens and Sensory Gardens to enjoy rugged texture and beauty!

Blue-Green Foliage Turns Wine-Red Summer to Fall
Wine-Red Late Summer Plumes
Bird-Friendly Winter Interest & Bouquet Additions
Very Easy to Grow & Compact Size
Edging, Groupings, Specimen, Containers & Garden Accent

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Switch Grass is indifferent to heat, humidity, drought, wind, and salt! The full sun is best for this heat-loving, warm-season Ornamental Grass! Cheyenne Sky thrives in most well-drained soil types and is a low moisture use plant once established. However xeric grasses can be, they do look best when provided a drink during extended drought. This warm-season grass should be cut to the ground each year in late winter or early spring before it starts to grow, and can be divided if the clump gets too large at that time.

Full Sun Lover
Low Moisture Needs Once Established
Any Well-Drained Soil Type
Divide Every 3-5 Years
Prune Early Spring

Switch Grass is a carefree presence you will appreciate anew with each seasonal color change! Choose a winter hardy, wine-red Ornamental Grass from Proven Winners® and Nature Hills Nursery this year! You'll enjoy having Prairie Winds® Cheyenne Sky Red Switch Grass light up your landscape, but only if you order yours soon!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Prairie Winds® Cheyenne Sky Red Switch Grass suitable for?

Prairie Winds® Cheyenne Sky Red Switch Grass thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9. This cold-hardy ornamental grass can withstand harsh winters while providing year-round interest. Plant it in full sun for best color development and winter persistence.

What is the mature height and width of Cheyenne Sky Switch Grass?

Cheyenne Sky Switch Grass reaches 2-3 feet tall and wide, forming a compact v-shaped clump. The wine-red flower plumes add another foot of height in late summer. This manageable size works perfectly in containers or smaller gardens where you want prairie grass impact without the bulk.

Does Cheyenne Sky Red Switch Grass grow well in my planting zone (e.g., zone 4 or 9)?

Cheyenne Sky Red Switch Grass thrives in USDA zones 4-9, making it hardy enough for both northern winters and southern heat. This warm-season grass may emerge late in spring but performs reliably across this wide range. Check your specific zone and plant after your last frost date.

How much sun does Prairie Winds® Cheyenne Sky need for best color?

Cheyenne Sky develops its signature wine-red color best in full sun locations. The blue-green foliage begins turning red at the tips in early summer, with full saturation by late summer when grown in sunny spots. Plant in any sun garden bed for optimal color transformation and wine-red plumes.

How and when do I prune or cut back Prairie Winds® Cheyenne Sky?

Cut back Cheyenne Sky in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Since this warm-season grass provides winter interest with its tan plumes and persisting blades, wait until late February or March to prune to 4-6 inches above ground level.

Is Prairie Winds® Cheyenne Sky deer-resistant or salt-tolerant?

Prairie Winds® Cheyenne Sky has excellent deer resistance, as deer typically avoid ornamental grasses. This hardy switchgrass also tolerates salt spray and roadside conditions well. Plant it in zones 4-9 for a low-maintenance, pest-resistant addition to your landscape.

How long until Cheyenne Sky Red Switch Grass reaches maturity and turns red?

Cheyenne Sky reaches its 2-3 foot mature size in 2-3 years, with red coloring starting in early summer and intensifying through late summer. The tips turn wine-red first, then the entire plant becomes saturated with color by season's end. Plant in spring for best establishment in your first year.

Prairie Winds® Cheyenne Sky Red Switch Grass

Panicum virgatum PRAIRIE WINDS 'Cheyenne Sky'