Species switch grass
Upright, narrow, shiny, reddish-green, feathery blades

switch grass

Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah'

Switch grass (Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah') is a showy ornamental perennial grass native to North America. It grows in clumps of arching foliage that can reach up to 6 feet in height. The foliage is a remarkable reddish-purple in late summer and autumn and transitions to a beautiful orange and red in winter. In the summer, ‘Shenandoah’ produces airy flower heads with feathery, purple-tinged seeds. This grass is commonly used as a low-maintenance border or landscape plant and is a great choice for native, wildlife, and naturalized garden beds. It is hardy in Zones 4 - 9 and is tolerant of poor and dry conditions.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

Pink-tinged Flowers In Summer

Sun:

Full sun

Soil:

Humus rich, Rocky , gravelly , dry, Well-drained

Fruits:

brown,tan Fruits In Autumn Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

red,purple,orange

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah') should be watered 2-3 times a week for 15-25 minutes each time, depending on factors such as the season and the airdryness. The soil should remain moderately moist and the plant should not be allowed to dry out completely. During the summer months, more frequent watering may be needed if the plant is planted in direct sunlight or if environmental temperatures exceed 80 degrees. In the fall, reduce the frequency of watering as the temperatures drop, and water only when the top 2 inches of soil feels dry. During the winter months, water once every 2 weeks, and only if the top 2 inches of soil feel dry. With all watering, rainwater is always preferred but regular tap water is okay. Lastly, always check the drainage of your container before watering to ensure that it is not getting soggy and accumulating standing water, as this could cause root rot.

sunlight

Switch grass (Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah') requires full sun and at least 6-8 hours of direct sun each day. This perennial grass thrives in hot, sunny locations with moist, rich soil. With proper care, it can tolerate some drought and temporary dry spells. It is best planted in early- to mid-spring in the northern regions or in late winter in the southern region. It is also important to keep this grass away from large trees, as too much shade can cause the grass to become weak and produce less foliage.

pruning

Switch grass (Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah') should be pruned between late winter and early spring. Plants should be cut back to 6-12 inches in height. Dead and/or damaged leaves and stems should be removed to promote healthy new growth.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Switch grass typically begins flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' is in August and September.

Starts Flowering

Switch grass typically begins flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' is in August and September.

Hardiness Map