Shenandoah Switch Grass: Red-Tipped Foliage & Burgundy Fall Color

Bring rich color and graceful movement to your landscape with Shenandoah Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah'). Red leaf tips appear early in the growing season, building toward burgundy fall foliage. Airy pink flower panicles rise above the upright clumps, adding a light, delicate contrast to the bold seasonal color.

Picture a grouping along a sunny garden path, its fine blades moving with the breeze and its seed heads catching the light. Leave the clumps standing through winter for texture after summer flowers fade, then cut them back before fresh spring growth begins.

Why Choose Shenandoah?

• Distinctive foliage: Red-tipped leaves develop rich burgundy tones in fall.
• Airy pink flowers: Fine-textured panicles add softness above the foliage.
• Upright, clumping form: Useful for repeated accents, mixed borders, and grouped plantings.
• Drought tolerance once established: Adapts to a range of soil and weather conditions.
• Wildlife value: Seed heads provide food for birds, and switchgrass supports caterpillars of butterflies and moths.
• Extended interest: Standing foliage and seed heads can add texture through winter.

Growing Zones & Mature Size

• USDA hardiness zones: 5–9 for in-ground growing.
• Mature size: Approximately 4–5 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide, depending on growing conditions.
• Light: Full sun is best. Too much shade can cause a more open habit or flopping.
• Soil: Prefers moist soil but tolerates a wide range, including dry soil once established.
• Growth habit: Warm-season ornamental grass grown in clumps.

What You're Ordering

This listing offers a 3-gallon plant. Container size describes the nursery size, not mature height. Plan your planting space around the grass's mature dimensions to give each clump room to develop.

Planting & Care

Choose a sunny location and water as needed while the plant establishes. Avoid overly rich soil, which can encourage flopping. Once established, switchgrass tolerates periods of drought. Leave old growth standing for winter interest if desired, then cut back to a few inches above the ground in early spring before new growth resumes.

Choose Shenandoah Switch Grass for red-tipped foliage, burgundy autumn color, and flowing texture in your sunny landscape.