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Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah'
Shenandoah Switch Grass
North America (S Canada through US to Mexico; tallgrass prairies; Hans Simon selection, Germany)
Overview
Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' is a deciduous, clump-forming ornamental grass reaching 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m) tall with a spread of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m) and an upright, narrowly vase-shaped habit. This cultivar is the most intensely red-colored switch grass: the foliage emerges green with a burgundy-wine tint, and by late summer the entire plant is deep wine-red to burgundy-purple from the leaf tips downward. The leaf blades are 0.25-0.4 inch (6-10 mm) wide and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) long. Pinkish-red panicles appear in August-September, complementing the wine-red foliage. Growth rate is moderate. Hardy to zone 3. The most compact of the commonly grown switch grass cultivars. The deep wine-red coloring intensifies in cooler autumn weather. Selected by Hans Simon from seed of 'Hänse Herms'.
Native Range
Panicum virgatum is native to North America—from southern Canada through most of the United States and into Mexico—in tallgrass prairies. 'Shenandoah' was selected by Hans Simon, Germany.Suggested Uses
Planted as a compact accent, in borders, or massed at 2-3 foot (0.6-0.9 m) spacing. The most intensely wine-red switch grass—deep color from late summer through hard frost. Most compact cultivar in the collection. Native North American grass. Full sun and lean soil essential. Not suitable for shade or rich moist soils.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 4'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pinkish-red panicles aging beige-tan; Aug-Sep; complement wine-red foliage; persist winterFoliage Description
Green with burgundy tint emerging; deep wine-red to burgundy-purple by late summer; most intense red switch grassGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun in average to dry, well-drained soil (pH 5.5-7.5). Hardy to zone 3—hardiest of the collection's switch grasses. Full sun essential for deepest red coloring. Lean soil produces compact growth. Tolerates clay and drought. Cut back to 4-6 inches in late winter.Pruning
Cut back all stems to 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in late February-March before new growth. Leave standing through winter.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons