Shenandoah Switch Grass

The Shenandoah Switch Grass is a compact perennial grass forming an upright mound of stems covered in slender leaves. These begin blue-green, but quickly take on reddish tones, deepening as the seasons progress, and turning bright red in fall. Open sprays of pinkish-red flowers and seeds rise above the foliage, to a total height of about 4 feet. The grass spreads slowly into a larger clump, but it isn’t invasive. Grow it in beds for summer and fall interest, on slopes and in natural gardens, as well as stylish modern town gardens.

• Leaves turn red through the seasons, ending by fall in brilliant colors
• Airy heads of pink-red flowers and seeds
• Vertical growing without becoming invasive
• At its best from mid-summer through fall, for late color
• Easy to grow in ordinary garden conditions

Full sun is best for the Shenandoah Switch Grass, but it will tolerate a little shade too. Moderate moisture is ideal, in soils that can be sand, loam or clay. Too much water will make it floppy, and it is drought resistant once established. Free of pests, diseases and deer problems, this easy grass simply needs trimming down in fall or early spring – that’s it.