Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah'

Switch Grass-Red

Panicum virgatum ÔShenandoahÕ

Photo Credit: Stonehouse Nursery

Panicum virgatum ÔShenandoahÕ

Photo Credit: Stonehouse Nursery


Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah'

Switch Grass-Red

This popular nativar brightens up the garden with its deep green foliage that begins to take on red tones throughout the summer, turning deep burgundy red in fall. Matching purple-red seed panicles top the clump late in the season. One of the easiest, most adaptable grasses to grow in any soil or moisture level.

Plant Details

  • Zone: 4 - 9
  • Height: 3-4'
  • Spread: 2-3'
  • Exposure: Full Sun
  • Soil Moisture: High Water Needs, Low Water Needs, Moderate Water Needs
  • Drought tolerant: Yes, Once Established
  • Bloom time: Early Fall, Late Summer, Mid-Fall
  • Foliage Color: Green Shades, Red Shades
  • Flower Color: Purple Shades
  • Fragrant: No
  • Good Cut Flower: Yes
  • Native: Nativar
  • Deer resistant: Yes
  • Rabbit resistant: No
  • Bee-friendly: No
  • Attracts butterflies: No
  • Attracts hummingbirds: No
  • Groundcover: No
  • Roy Diblik Favorite: No

Plant Details

  • Zone: 4 - 9
  • Height: 3-4'
  • Spread: 2-3'
  • Exposure: Full Sun
  • Soil Moisture: High Water Needs, Low Water Needs, Moderate Water Needs
  • Drought tolerant: Yes, Once Established
  • Bloom time: Early Fall, Late Summer, Mid-Fall
  • Foliage Color: Green Shades, Red Shades
  • Flower Color: Purple Shades
  • Fragrant: No
  • Good Cut Flower: Yes
  • Native: Nativar
  • Bee-friendly: No
  • Deer resistant: Yes
  • Rabbit resistant: No
  • Attracts butterflies: No
  • Attracts hummingbirds: No
  • Groundcover: No
  • Roy Diblik Favorite: No

Grower Information

Ornamental grasses and grasslike plants vary widely by type. Cool season grasses are generally best planted in the fall prior or in late winter/early spring in the greenhouse. Warm season grasses can be planted in spring and summer for same-season sales. Sedges grow best when planted in spring and summer rather than the fall prior.

Ornamental grasses and grasslike plants grow well in a wide range of growing media types, provided there is adequate moisture-holding capacity and good drainage. While getting established in their finished containers, most prefer to be kept moist, but not saturated.

  • PowerPlug Size(s): 32s
  • Optimal Planting Time: Spring
  • Retail Sales Window: Fall, Summer
  • Moisture in Production: Average, Consistent
  • Requires Shade in Production: No
  • Vernalization Required for Bloom: No
  • Vernalization Beneficial: Yes