Shenandoah Switch Grass

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

3-4 Feet

Mature Spread

3-4 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 8

Shenandoah switch grass stands out in the landscape and outshines other ornamental grasses for its compact habit, reddish purple fall color, and flower panicles. The pinkish flowers appear on the panicles above the foliage in summer and have an especially airy appearance.  This switchgrass offers interest year round. Late in the fall In the winter, the dry seed and foliage have a coppery hue and swaying form that livens up a dreary landscape and provides food for birds. 

The parent species of this plant, Panicum virgatum, is native to the United States and Canada and grows naturally in prairies, open woods, ditches, and on rocky bluffs, sand dunes, and marsh borders. This speaks to the best uses for it in the cultivated landscape. Utilize it in prairie type settings or sun gardens with a range of soil moistures. The foliage is especially striking when the sun hits it at certain hours, so a site where the Shenandoah will catch sunrise or sunset rays will not disappoint. 

Shenandoah Switch Grass Care

Plant the Shenandoah switch grass where it will receive full sun and good drainage. It is quite drought tolerant once established, but regular watering following planting to keep the soil evenly moist encourages growth. An annual spring-time application of a slow-release fertilizer is enough to ensure vigor. With overwatering or excess fertilization, this switch grass may flop over. 

To ensure that the Shenandoah switch grass provides winter use and interest, wait until spring to prune the plant back. Simply cut the clump of grass back to an inch or two above ground in late winter or early spring before any new growth appears. 

Shenandoah Switch Grass Spacing

The Shenandoah switch grass grows quickly to reach a height of four feet with bloom and has a spread of about two feet. Plant multiple grasses two feet apart to create a mass grouping or border or give them a bit more space to keep plants recognizable as individuals.

SKU:

1231010658-pc