Shenandoah is a compact cultivar of the native Panicum virgatum, selected for its early and intense red foliage coloration. In spring and early summer, the blades emerge green, but by midseason they begin turning deep wine red, especially in full sun. By late summer, the entire plant is tinged with burgundy, giving it a bold, upright presence in any planting scheme.

In mid to late summer, Shenandoah sends up clouds of fine-textured, airy seed heads that hover above the foliage, adding movement and a soft, hazy texture. These panicles persist into fall and winter, turning tan and remaining upright well into the dormant season.

Unlike some other ornamental grasses, Shenandoah maintains a tight, upright form, reaching 3 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. It does not flop or spread aggressively, making it ideal for more structured planting designs.

As a native warm-season grass, it’s deer-resistant, drought-tolerant once established, and provides valuable habitat for birds and beneficial insects. Hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 9, Shenandoah performs well in a wide range of soils, including clay and sandy loam.

With its form, color, and ecological value, Shenandoah offers countless landscape uses across design styles.

Focal Point in Naturalistic Gardens: Use Shenandoah as a focal point in prairie-style or pollinator-friendly gardens, where its upright habit and changing foliage provide season-long interest. Its rich red tones contrast beautifully with yellow and purple wildflowers like Rudbeckia, Echinacea, or Monarda.

Modern Borders and Urban Landscapes: Its narrow footprint and vertical lines make it ideal for modern landscapes or narrow urban beds. Line walkways or frame patios with Shenandoah for strong vertical repetition, softened by the texture of its airy flowers.

Mass Plantings & Slope Stabilization: In larger settings, plant Shenandoah in sweeping drifts along slopes or meadows. It not only creates movement and visual cohesion but also helps stabilize soil and reduce erosion.

Rain Gardens and Tough Sites: This switchgrass thrives in rain gardens, bioswales, and low-lying areas with occasional standing water. At the same time, it handles drought once established, making it a flexible solution for challenging conditions.

Mixed Borders and Fall Displays: In traditional perennial borders, Shenandoah brings fine texture and fall color. Pair it with Sedum, Aster, or Russian Sage for a dynamic fall composition that extends the garden season.

Low-maintenance and rugged, Shenandoah thrives with minimal effort once established.

Planting: Choose a site with full sun to light shade. Full sun produces the best red foliage color. Soil should be well-drained, but Shenandoah tolerates a range of soil types from clay to sandy loam.

Watering: Water regularly the first season to establish strong roots. Afterward, it is drought-tolerant, though occasional deep watering in dry spells will keep foliage at its best.

Pruning: Cut back to 6 to 12 inches in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This helps rejuvenate the plant and allows for clean emergence in spring.

Spacing: Allow 2 to 3 feet between plants in mass plantings to give them room to develop their full shape without overcrowding.

Fertilizing: Generally not needed. Over-fertilizing can lead to floppy growth. A spring top-dress with compost is sufficient if soil is poor.

Pests & Disease: Virtually pest- and disease-free, and deer-resistant. Its strong stems and upright habit remain attractive even in fall and winter.