Switch Grass ‘Red Flame’

Switch Grass ‘Red Flame’  (Panicum virgatum ‘Red Flame’) brings bold late-season color and movement to the landscape without demanding much maintenance. Its upright blue-green foliage gradually intensifies into deep wine red by late summer and fall, creating a dramatic vertical accent that stands out in prairie-style plantings, modern landscapes, and water-wise gardens alike. Airy flower plumes rise above the foliage and catch the light beautifully, while the sturdy stems continue providing texture and winter interest long after the growing season ends.

This cultivar combines the rugged adaptability of native switch grass with richer red coloration and a more refined habit. It handles heat, wind, poor soils, and dry conditions with ease once established, making it especially useful for low-maintenance landscapes along the Wasatch Front. Birds often use the persistent seed heads for shelter and forage through winter, adding ecological value alongside its ornamental appeal.