Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’
Blooming Time
Exposure
Perhaps the shortest Panicum, ‘Shenandoah’ might be considered a taller more durable substitute for Imperata ‘Red Baron’ as its foliage becomes red by June and becomes more intensely colored as the season progresses. From Germany and introduced by Dr. Hans Simon, ‘Shenandoah’ flowers bright red in late summer and is a fine companion to numerous perennials and grasses. ‘Shenandoah’, like other switch grasses, is tolerant of dry and infertile soils and is excellent for naturalizing and large-scale groundcover use.
Details
Hardiness Zone:
Blossom Color:
Red
Growth Habit:
Clump Forming
Max Height:
3'
Texture:
Recommended Spacing:
We sell this plant in these containers:
Special Characteristics
Features
Native cultivar with compact habit and amazing foliage that gradually changes from gray green in spring to brilliant crimson by late summer. Open flower panicles in late summer and fall.
Landscape Value
Superb specimen, accent, companion, or dwarf hedge. Also excellent as a large-scale ground cover when mass planted.
Care
Watering:
'Shenandoah' Switch Grass is very drought tolerant and typically only needs watering during the hottest days of summer.
Fertilizing:
'Shenandoah' Switch Grass is a moderate feeder, benefiting from a couple of annual applications of slow release fertilizer. A spring application of a 3-1-2 ratio (such as a 15-5-10) can be applied at a rate of about 10 pounds per 1000 square feet, and during early fall, an application of a 2-1-2 ratio (such as a 10-5-10) can be applied to encourage root development and cold hardiness.
Pruning:
'Shenandoah' Switch Grass should be enjoyed all winter long, then, during early April before it begins to grow again, it should be pruned or mowed back to ground level.