Bring vibrant fall color and graceful movement to your garden with ‘Shenandoah’ Switchgrass (Panicum). This deciduous ornamental grass, native to the prairies of North America, is a tough, easy to grow grass that loves sun and is tolerant of drought and poor soil. The fine-textured leaf blades are initially green and develop deep red tips by late July, eventually turning rich burgundy by September. A haze of airy red seed heads appear in late summer. Consider allowing your tall ornamental grasses to dry and remain standing through winter. The seeds are a food source for birds and the foliage provides extra visual interest. In late February you can prune your grass close to the ground and allow the fresh new shoots to emerge.
‘Shenandoah’ matures to about 4 feet tall by 4 feet wide. Plant as a single specimen or create a bold statement with several plants in a drift. It is a great companion for fall-blooming asters and sedums.