Panicum 'Switchgrass': Shenandoah

Panicum virgatum, also known as Switchgrass 'Shenandoah', is a perennial, warm-season ornamental grass that is native to North America. Unlike traditional Switchgrass, Shenandoah Switchgrass emerges bluish-green in spring, but develops deep red tips as early as June. By late summer and fall, it turns an intense, deep burgundy-red. Its foliage can reach 3-4 ft tall and its flower plumes can measure up to 7 ft tall. It forms a dense columnar foliage clump that can spread slowly through creeping rhizomes and remains attractive year-round. After the flowers go to seed leave them on the plant to provide a winter food source for birds and small mammals. Mass plant this grass in the back of a border, use as a screen, or as an accent plant. This plant is resistant to deer grazing, drought, erosion, and air pollution. It is also slightly salt tolerant, withstands occasional flooding, and can be planted near black walnut trees. This grass is highly flammable and should be planted an appropriate distance from the home.

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This plant prefers full sun (6+ hours) for optimal growth. Partial shade is acceptable but it will not grow as tightly and may flop over.

This plant needs regular, deep watering during its first growing season. It becomes drought-tolerant once established.

Prune back this grass in late winter, early spring. For that we recommend Modern Sprout Garden Pruners.