Ornamental Grass: Panicum Virgatum 'Shenandoah'

One of the most colorful and versatile Switch Grasses around, Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' begins the season by sending up an upright, narrow clump of foliage in a blue-green color that shifts early in the season to a fabulous wine red that is capped in summer by a cloud of blush-red flower panicles. This highly ornamental grass forms a dense clump that keeps its shape through winter unless blanketed by snow. Plants reach 3-4’, and because they tolerate a remarkably broad range of conditions – from drought to wet soil, and air pollution to Black Walnut trees – they can be used in wide variety of gardens and landscapes.

Grasses, all from the family Poaceae, are as variable as people, and are widely used as foliage plants in successful gardens throughout the world. The value of these long-lived and low-maintenance perennials comes from the varied colors and textures of their foliage as well as their striking flower spikes. From earliest spring into the dead of winter, they offer an arresting display that complements flowering plants while making an elegant statement on their own.

For more information on growing Ornamental Grasses, click Growing Guide.