Switchgrass is one of the “Big Four” dominant grasses of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem. It is very deeply rooted, allowing it to find moisture in times of drought, and nutrients in very poor soils. It is one of the most widely planted native ornamental grasses in eastern North America due to its reliability, adaptability and beauty. 'Shenandoah' is a cultivated variety of our native Panicum virgatum, bred for its bright red coloration in fall. Even the flowers of this grass are deep red! It is slower growing and shorter in stature, maxing out at 3' in height and 2' wide, making it an excellent ornamental grass for smaller garden settings. Its tips begin turning red in June and continues reddening up into the fall. This plant needs to be grown in full sun to maintain its best coloration and beautiful, fountaining, upright habit. If given too much moisture, shade, or fertilizer, this grass can have a tendency to flop.Switchgrass can be used as an herbaceous hedge in the garden, used to screen unsightly views, planted as a backdrop to prairie and meadow flowers, or used to control erosion. This elegant cultivar was used extensively as a matrix planting in New York's High Line garden, designed by Piet Oudolf. It provides excellent winter interest as it rustles in the wind and it remains a substantial architectural element in the landscape. It can be cut back in spring before new growth begins, the only maintenance this grass needs to look tidy in the garden.Sources:
Gardening with Grasses by Michael King and Piet Oudolf
New Moon Nursery
Grow Native! Salt-Tolerant Native Plants
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Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' (Shenandoah' Switchgrass) - 2 gal
Shenandoah' Switchgrass
Plant Care & Installation Quick-Guide
Proper acclimation and installation are key to your plant's success. Please cross-reference these tips with your plant's specific ID tags:
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Pre-Planting: Store plants in a light-appropriate area on soil or grass (avoid hot concrete or asphalt) and water daily until the soil is saturated and the pot feels heavy. If temperatures drop below 30°F, move pots to a garage or cover them to prevent root freeze.
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Installation: Dig a hole matching the depth of the pot, remove the fabric container, and ensure the plant’s crown or root flare is level with the ground. Fill gaps with soil, water heavily, and apply 2 inches of mulch—keeping it clear of the stem.
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Ongoing Care: Check moisture daily by feeling 1–2 inches into the soil; water deeply at the base if the soil feels dry or warm. Newly installed plants require frequent watering (up to 3–4 times weekly in heat) until fully established, which can take a few months for perennials and up to two years for trees.