Name: Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’
Zones: Hardy to 5 – 9
Size: 3-4 feet tall
Conditions: Sun; dry to normal moisture
Switch grass, Panicum virgatum, is one of the best native garden grasses, providing cover and food for wildlife, and 4 seasons of interest. Native grasses add height to the garden, as well as, movement as the grasses catch the seasonal breezes.
‘Shenandoah’ charms the garden with new leaves emerging blue-green, forming a red tip in summer and gradually turning red-purple by midsummer, with reddish pink flowers. By winter, ‘Shenandoah’ will turn a nice blond color lasting throughout the winter.
‘Shenandoah’ is compact and upright with no serious pest problems. All of which makes for an ideal use in the home garden.
By: Helen Yoest
The TarHeelGardening blog is published and edited by Helen Yoest. For more information on Tarheel Gardening, please visit our website at Tarheel Gardening - your online resource for North Carolina gardening enthusiasts.
Shenandoah is also considered a delicacy by geese. They will eat it to the ground. One of the many reasons I hate geese.
Yes, they do seem to like what we do. H.