Overwintering guide
How to overwinter prairie sky switchgrass
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills prairie sky switchgrass in winter
Cutting prairie sky switchgrass hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.
More prairie sky switchgrass care
Overwintering prairie sky switchgrass — FAQ
Does prairie sky switchgrass need to come indoors for winter?
Prairie Sky Switchgrass is hardy to roughly USDA zone 5 — winter lows around -29°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Prairie Sky Switchgrass is properly hardy and overwinters outside without fuss. Tidy away anything dead or diseased, apply a mulch over the crown to steady soil temperatures, and otherwise leave it alone — many hardy plants actually need a cold period to flower and grow well the following year. Save hard pruning for the right season rather than doing it in autumn.
When should I move prairie sky switchgrass for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water prairie sky switchgrass in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills prairie sky switchgrass over winter?
Cutting prairie sky switchgrass hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.