Switchgrass 'Cheyenne Sky'

About this plant

Panicum virgatum 'Cheyenne Sky' is a standout among ornamental grasses, renowned for its striking color transformation throughout the seasons. This compact cultivar emerges with blue-green foliage in spring, transitioning through a stunning display of deep burgundy and wine-red tones as summer progresses into fall, creating a dramatic focal point in any garden setting. Beyond its exceptional beauty, 'Cheyenne Sky' is also incredibly tough and adaptable. It forms a neat, upright clump, making it ideal for smaller gardens, containers, or mass plantings where its vibrant hues can truly shine. Wispy, rose-colored flower panicles appear in late summer, adding an airy elegance and providing interest into winter. Perfect for adding vertical interest, movement, and a rich color palette, 'Cheyenne Sky' thrives in a variety of conditions and requires minimal maintenance once established, making it a favorite for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant. Cut back foliage to about 6 inches in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.