Shenandoah Switchgrass Ornamental Grasses (Panicum Virgatum Shenandoah)

Shenandoah Switchgrass Ornamental Grasses Description

Shenandoah Switchgrass is a striking ornamental grass that offers year round interest with its bold, upright form and vibrant foliage. Reaching a height of around 1.2 metres (4 feet), this cultivar forms a dense, clump like growth, making it ideal for adding texture and colour to borders, meadows, or prairie style plantings. Its standout feature is its deep red to burgundy foliage that intensifies in colour throughout the growing season, providing a dramatic contrast in the garden. In late summer, Shenandoah Switchgrass produces feathery, airy flower panicles that emerge in shades of pinkish red and mature to soft, bronze tones by autumn, extending its visual appeal into the cooler months.

Its graceful form and striking colour make it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add movement, seasonal colour, and ecological benefits to their landscape. Shenandoah Switchgrass is perfect for those seeking a low maintenance grass that thrives in full sun and offers a stunning display of colour from late spring through autumn.

Pruning Advice

When to Prune: Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. This ensures the plant is prepared for fresh spring shoots while keeping the garden tidy.

How to Prune: Cut the previous growth back to about 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) above the ground. Use sharp secateurs or garden shears to avoid damaging the plant. By removing the dead foliage, you allow the new growth to emerge without obstruction.

Additional Care: Shenandoah Switchgrass is generally low maintenance, but regular removal of any dead or damaged leaves during the growing season can help maintain a tidy appearance. If the clump becomes too large or overcrowded after several years, it can be divided in early spring to rejuvenate the plant and encourage stronger growth.

Further Information

Seasonal Colour: The foliage starts green and gradually deepens into shades of red and burgundy as the season progresses, providing striking autumnal tones that last well into winter. The pinkish red flower panicles enhance its appearance, maturing to a soft bronze that complements the foliage.

Wildlife Friendly: Like other ornamental grasses, Shenandoah Switchgrass is beneficial for wildlife. Its flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while the dense clumps provide shelter for birds during the winter months.

Low Maintenance: Once established, Shenandoah Switchgrass is drought tolerant and requires minimal care. Its compact size makes it a versatile plant that fits well into smaller gardens or more formal settings.

Erosion Control: Its deep root system helps prevent soil erosion, making it suitable for planting on slopes or areas with loose soil.

Structural Interest: The upright habit and feathery flower panicles bring vertical interest and texture to the garden, especially in autumn and winter when many other plants have gone dormant.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:

* Standard Sized Boxes (Bare root up to 1.2m tall & pots up to 7.5L) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £9.98 charge.

* Tall Sized Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m & over) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £24.99 charge.

* Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £350 | or £82 charge.

* Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £1500 | or £450 charge.