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Panicum Cheyenne Sky
Panicum virgatum 'Cheyenne Sky' PP23209
Panicum Cheyenne Sky offers vibrant blue-green foliage that turns stunning burgundy-red, adding dynamic color and texture to any garden. This compact, drought-tolerant ornamental grass is ideal for borders, mixed perennial beds, and erosion control, while its deer resistance and low-maintenance care make it perfect for eco-friendly landscapes.
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Panicum Cheyenne Sky Red Switch Grass for Sale Online
Panicum 'Cheyenne Sky' is an eye-catching ornamental grass that offers a dynamic splash of color to your garden. This compact switchgrass variety is celebrated for its vibrant foliage, which starts as deep green in spring and quickly transitions to rich shades of red and burgundy by mid-summer. Perfect for adding texture and color to borders, mixed beds, or containers, 'Cheyenne Sky' reaches a manageable height of 2 to 3 feet, making it a versatile choice for any landscape.
Ideal for sunny locations, Panicum 'Cheyenne Sky' thrives in full sun and is highly tolerant of various soil conditions, including dry, poor soils. This makes it an excellent option for xeriscaping, low-water gardens, and areas prone to drought. In late summer, this native grass produces delicate, reddish flower panicles that dance above the colorful foliage, adding an extra layer of visual interest.
Not only is 'Cheyenne Sky' visually stunning, but it is also low-maintenance and resilient. It is deer-resistant and drought-tolerant, perfect for those looking to add long-lasting beauty to their garden with minimal effort, whether you're designing a modern landscape or a prairie-style garden.
| Hardiness Zone: | 4-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 2 to 3 Feet |
| Mature Width: | 1 to 2 Feet |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Water Requirements: | Average to wet |
| Selling Points: | Erosion control, native, deer resistant, drought tolerant, salt tolerant, fall interest |
How to Care for Panicum Cheyenne Sky
Before you buy Panicum 'Cheyenne Sky', make sure to read about the recommended care instructions to keep this plant healthy and thriving.
How Do I Plant Panicum Cheyenne Sky?
To plant Panicum Cheyenne Sky switchgrass, start by selecting a location that receives full sun, as this ornamental grass thrives in bright, sunny conditions. Ensure the soil is well-drained, as Cheyenne Sky does not tolerate waterlogged areas. Begin by loosening the soil and, if needed, amending it with compost to improve drainage. Dig a hole about twice the width of the root ball, but only as deep as the plant was in its container. Place the grass in the hole, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface, then backfill and water thoroughly to help the roots establish. Space the plants 18-24 inches apart if you’re planting multiple Cheyenne Sky grasses to allow room for their full growth and spreading habit. Panicum Cheyenne Sky is highly adaptable and can be planted in various soil types, including sandy or clay soils, making it a versatile choice for many landscapes. After planting, mulch around the base to help retain moisture and suppress weeds, but be sure to leave some space around the crown to prevent rot. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish strong roots, but once established, this grass becomes drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. Cheyenne Sky is perfect for borders, mixed perennial beds, and erosion control, offering striking seasonal color and movement with its red-tinted foliage and airy plumes. Proper planting and care will ensure your Panicum Cheyenne Sky thrives and enhances your landscape for years to come.
How Do I Water Panicum Cheyenne Sky?
To water Panicum Cheyenne Sky switchgrass, it’s important to provide consistent moisture during its first growing season to help establish a strong root system. After planting, water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. This ornamental grass prefers well-drained soil, so avoid overwatering or allowing the plant to sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot. A deep soak once or twice a week, depending on rainfall, is typically sufficient to help the plant develop its drought-tolerant characteristics. Once established, Panicum Cheyenne Sky becomes highly drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental watering, making it an ideal choice for low-maintenance landscapes. During the growing season, water only when the top inch of soil feels dry, as this grass thrives in drier conditions. If planted in containers, be sure to check the moisture levels more frequently, as potted plants can dry out faster. Proper watering helps maintain the plant's vibrant blue-green foliage and encourages the rich red tones that develop later in the season, ensuring your Panicum Cheyenne Sky remains healthy and visually striking year-round.
How Do I Fertilize Panicum Cheyenne Sky?
To fertilize Panicum Cheyenne Sky, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins. A general-purpose 10-10-10 fertilizer provides the necessary nutrients for optimal growth and vibrant color throughout the season. Lightly sprinkle the fertilizer around the base of the plant, avoiding direct contact with the foliage, and water thoroughly to help the nutrients reach the roots. Alternatively, an organic option such as compost or well-rotted manure can be applied to enrich the soil naturally. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of the ornamental blooms and vibrant red foliage. Once established, Panicum Cheyenne Sky typically requires minimal fertilization, especially if planted in nutrient-rich soil. If your garden soil is poor, a light application of fertilizer or compost in the spring should suffice to keep the grass healthy and ensure it reaches its full size. Over-fertilizing can result in weak, leggy growth, so it’s important to keep feeding light and focused on early spring when the grass begins to grow actively. Proper fertilization will enhance Panicum Cheyenne Sky’s drought-tolerant nature, maintain its compact form, and ensure the development of its signature red-tinted foliage later in the season.
How do I Prune my Panicum Cheyenne Sky?
To prune Panicum Cheyenne Sky, it’s best to wait until late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to cut back the previous season’s dried foliage to about 6 inches above the ground. This annual pruning encourages fresh growth and maintains the plant’s neat, compact appearance for the upcoming season. Removing the old stems and foliage helps prevent diseases and allows sunlight to reach the new shoots. Cheyenne Sky benefits from this once-a-year pruning to ensure healthy growth and vibrant color development in the spring and summer months. Throughout the growing season, Panicum Cheyenne Sky requires little to no pruning, as it naturally maintains its tidy form. However, if any stems become damaged or unruly, you can trim them back at any time to keep the plant looking its best. Pruning spent flower plumes is optional, as some gardeners prefer to leave them for winter interest. The dried flower heads provide beautiful structure to the landscape during the colder months and can be left until the spring pruning. Regular annual pruning not only promotes vigorous growth but also helps Panicum Cheyenne Sky retain its stunning red hues and overall vitality.
