- 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.
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

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
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.