- Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 4 - 5 Feet
- Mature Spread 4 - 5 Feet
- Growing Zones 4 - 8
Panicum virgatum Ruby Ribbons™ is a spectacular red form of switchgrass. It first emerges with soft blue-green foliage in the spring, which matures to a deep burgundy color. Late summer, sprays of purple flowers soar above the foliage and develop into red, airy seed heads. The foliage deepens to a coppery-bronze color in the fall, giving this grass lots of seasonal interest. This gorgeous selection will not disappoint!
Ruby Ribbons has a narrow, upright form that reaches 4 – 5 feet high and 2 – 3 feet across. It is a warm-season grass that puts on most of its growth during the warm summer months. It adapts easily to a wide range of soil types and can even be used in a rain garden. This grass is resistant to drought, salt, and deer. Plant it in drifts at the back of a meadow or prairie garden, or try a single specimen to contrast broad-textured plants.
Ruby Ribbons™ Switch Grass Care
This switchgrass puts on the best color in full sun, but it can also handle part shade. It prefers alkaline soil and is not particular about soil texture or moisture levels, although the soil must drain well. It does not need to be fertilized and will flop in overly rich soil. Apply a thick layer of compost around the base to conserve moisture.
Cut this grass to the ground in late winter or early spring to make room for new growth. It requires no special care in the winter.
Ruby Ribbons™ Switch Grass Spacing
To plant a group of this grass, space individual plants approximately 2.5 feet apart on center, staggering planting rows. This grass can also be grown in a frost-proof container at least 20 inches in diameter with large drainage holes.
Ruby Ribbons™ Switch Grass Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 8 |
Plant Type: |
Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 4 - 5 Feet |
Mature Spread: 2 - 3 Feet |
Spacing: 2 - 3 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): Purple, Red |
Flower Description: Blue-Green |
Bloom Period: Summer |
Foliage Type: Herbaceous |
Foliage Color(s): Blue |
Foliage Description: |
Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: Drought |
Attracts: Birds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Containers, Mass Planting, Specimen or Focal Point, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance |
Brand: |
Common Name: Ruby Ribbons™ Switch Grass |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: PANICUM VIRGATUM `RUBY RIBBONS` |
- SKU:
- 1231003430-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.