Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah'
switch grass 'Shenandoah'
A deciduous, clump-forming perennial grass, to 90cm in height, with striking, steely blue-green leaf colour, which takes on tones of violet, purple, burgundy and wine red in late summer then forms stiff, dense clumps which persist through winter. Tiny purplish-red flowers are held in airy, open panicles at the end of wiry stems from late summer into autumn
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Pink | Green Red | ||
| Autumn | Purple Pink | Yellow | ||
| Winter | Brown |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Panicum can be annual or perennial, evergreen or deciduous grasses, with flat, narrowly lanceolate leaves, with large finely branched panicles of small spikelets in late summer or autumn
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun; see ornamental grasses cultivation for further information
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Prairie planting
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Remove dead foliage and flowered stems in spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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