Panicum virgatum ?Prairie Sky

Prairie Sky Switch Grass

Panicum virgatum ‘Prairie Sky’ is a warm-season ornamental grass valued for its upright form and striking blue-gray foliage. Narrow leaves emerge steel-blue in spring, hold their color through summer, and turn golden-yellow in fall, followed by airy, open flower panicles in mid to late summer that create a soft, hazy effect and persist into winter for added interest. Its strong vertical habit and native durability make it a reliable choice for naturalistic and modern landscapes.

Type: Perennial ornamental grass

Mature Size:
Width: 2–3 ft
Height: 4–5 ft (to 5–6 ft in flower)
(10-year size: forms expanding clumps)

USDA Zones: 4a–9b
Form: Upright, narrow, clump-forming
Light: Full sun (best color and structure)
Soil: Average to moist soils; highly adaptable, including clay
Water: Moderate; tolerant of drought and periodic wet conditions

Wildlife: Attracts birds (seed) and provides cover; host plant for butterflies


Features & Landscape Uses


Steel-blue foliage provides cool-season contrast



Strong vertical form for structure and screening



Airy flowers add movement and softness



Excellent for native, prairie, and low-maintenance plantings




Care
Cut back to the ground in late winter before new growth emerges. Plant in full sun for best color and upright habit. Very adaptable and tolerant of a wide range of soils, including clay and occasional wet conditions. Divide every few years if needed.

Plant type

Ornamental Grass, Sedge Or Rush

Height

4-5'

Width

2-3'

Hardiness zones

4–9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Summer, Summer

Soil

Highly Adaptable, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Foundation, Mass Planting

Shape

Clump, Narrow Upright

Fruit

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes