Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah'
Red Switchgrass
Upright switchgrass with red-tinted foliage during the growing season changing to red-purple in the fall. This is a great native replacement for Miscanthus. This warm season clumping grass is excellent in masses.
Switchgrass provides habitat and nesting sites for many small vertebrates, is an essential host for several butterflies, and aprovides seed for birds. The deep root systems are excellent for erosion control. It is also useful for moist sites along stream banks and pond edges to keep soil in place.
- Native, ornamental grass
- Upright, narrow habit
- Green foliage with red highlights and showy red flowers
Specialty Use
| • | Wildlife Garden |
Attracts Wildlife
| • | Attracts Butterflies |
Critter Resistance
| • | Deer Resistant |
Growth Rate
| • | Fast |
Attributes
| • | Bioretention |
| • | Border or Bed |
| • | Drought Tolerant |
| • | Fall Color |
| • | Fast Growing |
| • | Great Foliage |
| • | Heat Tolerant |
| • | Low Maintenance |
| • | Mass Planting |
| • | Native |
| • | Naturalizing |
| • | Ornamental Grass |
| • | Rain Garden |
| • | Salt Tolerant |
| • | Summer Bloomer |
Growing & Maintenance Tips for Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah'
Plant in full sun in soil that is not too rich or too fertile. Extremely drought tolerant but also grows well in moist soil with good drainage. Will tolerate periodic standing water. Fertilizer can cause the grass to flop over. Cut back in the spring just as new growth is emerging.