Switch Grass

About this plant

Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' is a highly desirable ornamental grass that brings a dynamic splash of color to any landscape. Its narrow, upright blades emerge blue-green in spring, gradually developing stunning burgundy tips that intensify throughout the summer and deepen to a rich wine-red by fall, creating a captivating display. Beyond its striking coloration, 'Shenandoah' offers excellent architectural interest with its gracefully arching, airy flower panicles that emerge in late summer, adding delicate texture and movement to the garden. It maintains a refined, clump-forming habit, making it an ideal choice for both mass plantings and as an individual specimen. This cultivar is a robust and low-maintenance selection, providing year-round appeal and significant ecological benefits. Its resilient nature makes it a fantastic addition to perennial borders, meadows, or naturalized areas, thriving with minimal fuss.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Easily grown in a variety of soils, 'Shenandoah' prefers full sun for best color development. Cut back dead foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Drought tolerant once established but appreciates occasional watering during prolonged dry spells.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.