Shenandoah Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah') is a colorful ornamental grass prized for its upright habit and striking red-tinted foliage. Growing approximately 3-4 feet tall, with airy flower panicles extending above the foliage, it forms a dense, upright clump of narrow green leaves that begin developing burgundy-red tips during the growing season. As summer progresses, the red coloration intensifies, eventually creating an impressive mixture of green, burgundy, and deep red foliage.
In late summer, airy reddish-pink flower panicles emerge above the foliage, adding soft texture and movement to the plant. By fall, the foliage develops even richer burgundy and wine-red tones. The dried foliage and seed heads can be left standing through winter to provide additional texture, structure, and wildlife value.
Shenandoah is an excellent choice for mixed borders, mass plantings, rain gardens, naturalized areas, or as a colorful vertical accent. As a cultivar of native switchgrass, it is adaptable, durable, and easy to grow in a wide range of landscape conditions.
More About Shenandoah Switchgrass
- Low Maintenance
- Moderate Growing
- Perennial Ornamental Grass
- Native Cultivar
- Burgundy-Red Foliage
- Mixed Border, Mass Planting, Rain Garden, Naturalized Area, Accent
- Dense, Upright Habit
- Airy Late-Summer Flower Panicles
- Excellent Fall Color
- Provides Winter Texture and Structure
- Drought Tolerant Once Established
- Deer Resistant
- Provides Wildlife Value
Height: 3-4 Feet, Taller When in Bloom
Spread: 2-3 Feet
Hardiness Zone: 4-9
Characteristics
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Sun (best red color and form in full sun)
- Season of Interest: Summer, Fall, Winter Texture
- Soil Moisture: Dry to Moist, Adaptable
- Attributes: Clumping, Upright, Colorful
- Foliage Color: Green with Burgundy-Red, Intensifying Through the Season
- Flower Color: Reddish-Pink, Maturing to Tan
Care & Maintenance Tips
Planting:
Plant in full sun for the strongest upright growth and most intense red foliage color. Shenandoah can tolerate some light shade, but excessive shade may result in greener foliage, weaker stems, and a less compact habit. It is highly adaptable to different soil types and can tolerate both periodically wet and relatively dry conditions once established.
Watering:
Water consistently during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, Shenandoah is drought tolerant and generally requires supplemental watering only during extended periods of hot, dry weather.
Fertilizing:
Shenandoah generally requires very little fertilizer. If needed, apply a light application of balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid excessive fertilization, which can encourage overly vigorous or floppy growth.
Pruning:
Leave the dried foliage and seed heads standing through winter for added texture, structure, and wildlife value. Cut the entire plant back to approximately 4-6 inches above the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
