Prairie Winds® Apache Rose Switch Grass exhibits a strictly upright, clump-forming growth habit that lends a tidy, architectural quality to garden borders and naturalistic landscapes. At maturity, it typically reaches around 1.2 metres in height with a spread of approximately 76 centimetres, forming a dense column of fine-textured foliage. The stems are tan-coloured and remain upright throughout winter, providing structural interest and shelter for wildlife. In late summer, the leaf tips and airy flower panicles develop a rosy-pink flush, which deepens into warm rose and gold tones by autumn. As a warm-season perennial, it dies back to the crown in winter and regrows from the base in spring. Apache Rose thrives in full sun and is adaptable to a wide range of soils, including sandy and clay types, with a preference for alkaline conditions. It is drought-tolerant once established and resilient to urban pollution and environmental salt. Maintenance is minimal—cutting back the foliage in late winter encourages fresh growth, and the plant can be divided during the growing season for propagation.
EXPOSURE: Sun
BLOOM TIME: Late Summer, Fall Foliage, Winter Interest
SIZE: 4' x 2.5'
HARDINESS: Zone 4
Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com