Shenandoah Switchgrass
Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah'Switch Grass ‘Shenandoah’ is a stunning warm-season perennial grass prized for its vivid color and graceful form. Known for its adaptability and resilience, this cultivar is ideal for adding texture, movement, and vibrant hues to your landscape. Its upright growth habit and rich burgundy-red tones make it a favorite choice for gardens, borders, and naturalized areas.
Switch Grass ‘Shenandoah’ begins its growing season with green foliage that gradually transitions to burgundy-red by midsummer. The intensity of its color deepens as the season progresses, providing eye-catching visual interest. In late summer, airy, pink-tinted flower panicles emerge above the foliage, adding a soft, feathery quality to the plant. By fall, the flowers mature into tan seed heads, which persist through winter, offering food for birds and maintaining structural interest in the garden.
This cultivar reaches a mature height of approximately 3–4 feet with a spread of 2–3 feet, making it suitable for both small and large landscapes. It thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4–9 and tolerates a wide range of soil types, including clay and sandy soils.
Care Instructions
- Light: Grow in full sun for optimal foliage color and flower production. While it can tolerate partial shade, this may reduce its vibrant hues.
- Soil: Prefers moderately fertile, well-drained soil but adapts to poor soils and tolerates clay or sand.
- Water: Water regularly during its establishment period. Once mature, it becomes drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
- Maintenance: Cut back the foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Removing the spent stems helps maintain its tidy appearance.
- Spacing: Space plants approximately 2–3 feet apart to allow sufficient airflow and prevent overcrowding.
- Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring for enhanced growth and color, though it generally thrives without much additional feeding.
Switch Grass ‘Shenandoah’ combines beauty and functionality. It stabilizes soil, supports wildlife, and requires little maintenance, making it an eco-friendly choice for any garden. With its year-round appeal and ease of care, it’s a versatile addition to your landscape design.
