Panicum 'Cheyenne Sky'

Panicum 'Cheyenne Sky': Smoky Scarlet Sway

Compact and commanding, Panicum 'Cheyenne Sky' brings rich colour and texture to the forefront of sunny landscapes. Emerging in spring with blue-green blades, the foliage takes on vibrant burgundy-red tones by early summer—well before it sends up airy red flower panicles in late summer. Tidy and upright, this shorter switchgrass is perfect for adding vertical lift, movement, and a smoky palette to beds, borders, and naturalistic plantings. It’s both drought tolerant and deer resistant, with strong garden performance through to winter.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 75–90 cm
• Spread: 60–75 cm
• Flower Colour: Reddish panicles
• Flowering Period: August to October
• Foliage: Blue-green turning burgundy-red
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Average to dry, well-drained soil

Uses and Benefits: A natural fit for compact gardens, urban plantings, and prairie-inspired designs. Its deep colour contrasts beautifully with lighter-toned perennials, and its form remains reliably upright. Excellent in mass plantings, containers, or as a low hedge. Provides habitat and seasonal interest well into winter.

Companion Plants: Pair with Echinacea 'Kismet Raspberry', Salvia 'Pink Profusion', and Allium 'Millenium' for a bold and pollinator-friendly combination that blends vivid colour with structural harmony from midsummer through fall.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first season, then only in prolonged drought. Cut back to the ground in early spring before new growth emerges. Avoid overly rich soil to maintain a compact shape.

History: Bred by Brent Horvath of Intrinsic Perennial Gardens, 'Cheyenne Sky' is part of the Prairie Winds® collection, selected for vibrant foliage colour and excellent landscape performance in smaller spaces.

Final Thoughts: With its bold red blades and controlled stature, Panicum 'Cheyenne Sky' delivers dramatic impact without overwhelming the garden—proof that prairie grasses can be both fierce and refined.