Switchgrass Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah'

Water

The Switchgrass 'Shenandoah' should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. During the first growing season, ensure it receives about 1 inch of water per week, whether from rainfall or supplemental watering. Beyond the initial establishment, Switchgrass is quite drought tolerant and typically needs supplemental watering only during prolonged dry spells. It is generally sufficient to provide additional water every two to three weeks, with each watering being equivalent to approximately 1 inch of rainfall, or about 0.6 gallons per square foot.

Light

Switchgrass 'Shenandoah' thrives best in full sunlight, meaning it should be planted in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The more sunlight it receives, the better it will grow and display its characteristic colors. Partial shade is tolerable, but too much shade can result in a weaker, less vigorous plant.

Temperature

Switchgrass 'Shenandoah' is hardy and able to withstand a wide range of temperatures, from as low as -20°F to well over 90°F. However, the plant performs best in temperatures that are consistently between 60°F and 75°F. Protecting the plant from extreme cold is not necessary as it is accustomed to winter temperatures and will go dormant in the colder months.

Pruning

Pruning Switchgrass 'Shenandoah' is mainly for aesthetic purposes and to remove old growth at the end of winter or early spring before new growth starts. Cut the grass back to about 4 inches above the ground. Pruning can also encourage bushier growth. Prune once a year, generally in late winter to early spring, to allow for enjoyment of its winter interest and to ensure the plant has a tidy appearance for the new growing season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for the Switchgrass 'Shenandoah' should be well-draining with a balanced mixture of loam, sand, and compost to provide nutrients and support root growth. The ideal soil pH for Switchgrass 'Shenandoah' should range from 5.5 to 7.0 as it can tolerate slightly acidic to neutral conditions.

Repotting

Switchgrass 'Shenandoah' typically does not require frequent repotting as it's a perennial grass. It should be divided or repotted every 3 to 4 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.

Humidity & Misting

Switchgrass 'Shenandoah' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions and does not have specific humidity requirements, as it is tolerant of the variable outdoor humidity levels it would naturally experience.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Use well-drained soil, full sun exposure, and infrequent watering for indoors.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, tolerate drought, and space plants.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

Switchgrass 'Shenandoah' starts its life as a seed that germinates in the spring after experiencing winter dormancy which breaks seed dormancy. Once germinated, the seedling starts to establish its root system and grows into a young plant with a clump-forming habit. Throughout the spring and summer, 'Shenandoah' switchgrass goes through a rapid vegetative growth phase, developing tall, upright stems with reddish-purple leaves and gaining its characteristic burgundy color. In mid-summer to early fall, it reaches maturity and produces airy panicles of pinkish-purple flowers that later turn to seeds. After setting seed in late fall, the plant begins to senesce, with above-ground parts turning shades of copper and beige; however, the plant's root system remains alive underground. During winter, 'Shenandoah' remains dormant and will re-sprout from the same root system the following spring, completing the perennial cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah', commonly known as Shenandoah switchgrass, is typically propagated by dividing the plant. The optimal time for division is in the early spring as the grass begins to emerge from dormancy or in the late fall after the foliage has died back. To propagate Shenandoah switchgrass through division, carefully dig up an established clump and use a sharp spade or knife to cut it into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a portion of the root system and several shoots. These divisions can then be replanted at the same depth they were originally growing, spaced around 2 to 3 feet apart (about 60 to 90 centimeters), to allow for adequate growth and air circulation. It's essential to water the divisions well after planting to help establish the root system.