Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah'

Shenandoah Switch Grass

‘Shenandoah’ is a warm-season native ornamental grass perennial known for its upright clumping form and early red foliage color. New growth emerges green, then the blade tips begin turning red in early to midsummer, with the whole plant deepening to burgundy-red by late summer and fall. Airy reddish-pink flower panicles rise above the foliage in summer, aging to tan seed heads that provide soft texture and winter interest. Switchgrass is a North American tallgrass prairie native and is valued for drought tolerance, adaptability, and strong vertical form in the landscape.

Type: Warm-season ornamental grass / native perennial
Mature Size: 2–3 ft. wide × 3–4 ft. tall; flower panicles may reach about 4 ft.
USDA Zones: 4a–9b; some nursery sources list 5a–9b.
Form: Upright, narrow, clump-forming grass
Light: Full sun to part shade; best red color and strongest upright habit in full sun
Soil / Water: Adaptable to dry, average, or moist well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established and useful in rain gardens, prairie plantings, and difficult sites.
Bloom Time / Length: Summer to early fall; reddish-pink airy panicles appear above the foliage and often remain ornamental into winter.
Wildlife: Seeds attract birds; foliage and stems provide cover for birds and small wildlife.

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for prairie gardens, meadow plantings, rain gardens, naturalized borders, mass plantings, low screens, foundation plantings, erosion control, and winter-interest plantings. ‘Shenandoah’ is especially useful where a shorter, red-toned switchgrass is wanted. It pairs well with coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, asters, sedums, alliums, and other sun-loving perennials.

Care:
Cut old foliage back to a few inches above the ground in late winter to early spring before new growth begins. Avoid heavy fertilizer, which can cause weak stems or flopping. Best color develops in full sun and lean-to-average soil. Divide in spring only when clumps become too large or the center begins to thin.

Plant type

Ornamental Grass

Height

3-4'

Width

2-3'

Hardiness zones

4–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Summer, Summer

Flower color

Ruby

Leaf color

Green

Attracts

Birds

Soil

Dry Area, Highly Adaptable

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Corner Accent, Foundation, Mass Planting

Shape

Clump, Compact, Upright

Fruit

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes