red switch grass ‘Shenandoah’

In general, switch grasses are low maintenance ornamental grasses requiring medium water and full-sun. When grown in partial shade, P. virgatum ‘Shenandoah‘ will loose its upright growth character. Plants will tolerate dry soils and drought conditions, as well as poor soils once they are well-established in the garden. Like other ornamental grasses, the tan and beige winter remnants of P. virgatum ‘Shenandoah‘ should be cut back in the early spring before new leaf growth initiates.

Flowers of ‘Shenandoah‘ are tiny and finely-textured borne on tall inflorescences above the foliage. While individually the flowers appear inconsequential, when plants are massed and in-bloom the grouping of inflorescences appear as an airy red-tinted cloud floating above the plants.’Shenandoah‘ makes a terrific companion plant for other Midwestern prairie-like garden plants. It is an introduction from German breeder Dr. Hans Simon.