Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah'

RHS Plant Profile
switch grass 'Shenandoah'

Synonyms

Panicum 'Shenandoah'

Award of Garden Merit
Grass Like

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Poaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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