Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah'
'Shenandoah' Switch Grass is a beautiful ornamental grass prized for its dramatic foliage color and graceful, upright habit. Fresh green blades emerge in spring with distinctive red tips, with the red coloration gradually intensifying as the season progresses. By fall, the foliage develops rich shades of burgundy and wine-red, creating an incredible display of warm seasonal color.
In summer, airy reddish-pink flower panicles rise above the foliage, adding soft texture and movement to the landscape. Its tidy, clump-forming habit makes 'Shenandoah' an excellent choice for perennial borders, mass plantings, erosion control, naturalized landscapes, and large containers. Heat tolerance, deer resistance, and easy maintenance make it an especially dependable landscape grass.
Height: Up to 4 feet in bloom
Width: 2–3 feet
Habit: Upright, Clumping
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Foliage: Green with Red to Burgundy Seasonal Color
USDA Zones: 4–9
Why You'll Love It:
- Incredible Foliage Color: Green blades develop red tips before deepening to rich burgundy in fall.
- Airy Summer Flowers: Delicate reddish-pink panicles add beautiful movement and texture.
- Upright & Clumping: Creates vertical interest without an aggressive spreading habit.
- Tough & Adaptable: Heat-tolerant, deer-resistant, and useful for erosion control.
- Benefits Wildlife: Provides valuable cover and seed for birds while adding year-round landscape interest.
Whether planted in masses for a dramatic sweep of color or used as a vertical accent among flowering perennials, 'Shenandoah' Switch Grass brings beautiful movement, changing foliage, and dependable structure to the landscape.
Shenandoah Switch Grass Basic Care: Easy
Watering: Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry, especially during the first growing season. Once established, 'Shenandoah' is drought-tolerant but appreciates occasional deep watering during extended hot, dry periods.
Light: Performs best in full sun, where it develops its strongest growth and richest red coloration. It can tolerate partial sun, though foliage may remain greener with less sunlight.
Soil/Drainage: Adaptable to a wide variety of soil types. Plant in well-draining soil, although established plants can tolerate both occasional drought and periods of moisture.
Temperature/Hardiness: Hardy in USDA Zones 4–9 and tolerant of summer heat once established.
Feeding: Generally requires little fertilizer. If needed, apply a light layer of compost or balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring. Avoid excessive feeding, which can encourage floppy growth.
Pruning: Leave the dried foliage and seed heads standing through winter for added texture and wildlife value. Cut the plant back to approximately 4–6 inches above the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
General Tips: For the deepest burgundy foliage, give 'Shenandoah' plenty of sunlight. Its clumping growth habit works beautifully in groups, borders, and mixed perennial beds, and you can divide mature clumps in spring as needed.