Shenandoah Switch Grass - Panicum - 

Shenandoah switch grass is selection of native American prairie grass grown for its rich maroon foliage color and pinkish flower heads. In fall the grass is tinged with orange and red. This handsome grass turn beige making it a plant for all seasons.

This ornamental grass is easy to grow and adapts quite well to many soil types. It will be most robust when watered deeply and regularly. It can also withstand dry climates. This fast-growing herbaceous plant grows in an upright narrow fashion. It grows up to heights of 4-5” tall with an 18” spread. Although it is a plant that is gives you a different color every season, it blooms in summer. The best time to plant it is in spring or early summer.

Switch grass care is relatively low maintenance requiring only cutting back of old foliage and maybe an application of general fertilizer in late winter to early spring before new shoots show. You will need to divide the grass spring or early summer. You may also propagate through seeds in spring.

It is a perfect addition to prairie and meadow gardens. you can also use it as an architectural interest by planting it in upright rows and grids. Plant it near the patio and watch it sway gently in the wind. Switch grass will make a perfect companion plant to Salvia, Shasta Daisy, Tickseed and Blanket Flower.

This hardy grass is not only drought resistant, it is also deer resistant. The dramatic foliage is of interest to birds and butterflies. It makes a striking addition to contemporary an rustic style gardens. It also does well in mass plantings to give a more vivid color interest. Use it as a border plant or even an erosion control plant. You can also use it for fire-scaping.