Prairie Winds® ‘Apache Rose’ Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum)

Prairie Winds® ‘Apache Rose’ Switch Grass is a durable, upright ornamental grass valued for its strong structure, seasonal color, and exceptional landscape performance. This medium-height perennial forms a dense, strictly upright clump of gray-green foliage that holds its shape even through wind, rain, and adverse weather conditions.

In late summer, airy flower panicles emerge in soft rose tones, maturing to pink and tan hues that persist into fall and winter. As temperatures cool, the foliage develops rose-colored tips, adding warm seasonal interest. With excellent drought tolerance, salt tolerance, and erosion control capabilities, ‘Apache Rose’ is an ideal choice for low-maintenance and large-scale landscape plantings.

Key Features and Benefits

• Strong, upright habit that resists lodging

• Gray-green foliage with rose-colored tips in fall

• Rose-pink flower panicles bloom from late summer through fall

• Provides fall and winter interest

• Drought tolerant once established

• Salt tolerant and suitable for challenging sites

• Effective for erosion control

• Deer resistant

• Low-maintenance ornamental grass

Plant Specifications

• Botanical Name: Panicum virgatum

• Common Name: Prairie Winds® ‘Apache Rose’ Switch Grass

• Plant Type: Perennial ornamental grass

• Height: 48 inches (1.2 m)

• Spread: 30 inches (76 cm)

• Spacing: 30 inches (76 cm)

• Habit: Upright

• Height Category: Medium

• Foliage Color: Gray-green

• Flower Color: Rose pink, tan

• Bloom Time: Late summer through fall

Growing Requirements

• Light Exposure: Full sun (6+ hours); tolerates part sun

• Water Needs: Average

• Soil Requirements: Performs well in poor, average, or fertile soils

• Soil pH: Acidic to neutral

• Maintenance Level: Easy

• Hardiness Zones: 4a–9b