- 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 - 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.
Shenandoah Switch Grass Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 8 |
| Plant Type: |
| Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 3 - 4 Feet |
| Mature Spread: 3 - 4 Feet |
| Spacing: 3 - 4 Feet |
| Habit: Clumping, Upright |
| Flower Color(s): Red |
| Flower Description: |
| Bloom Period: August |
| Foliage Type: Herbaceous |
| Foliage Color(s): Green, Red |
| Foliage Description: |
| Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: Deer |
| Tolerates: Drought |
| Attracts: Birds, Butterflies |
| Container Role: |
| Uses: Borders, Containers, Erosion Control, Mass Planting, Wildlife Gardens |
| Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance, Native to North America |
| Brand: |
| Common Name: Shenandoah Switch Grass |
| Other Name(s): |
| Scientific Name: PANICUM VIRGATUM `SHENANDOAH` |
- SKU:
- 1231010658-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations