‘Shenandoah’ is truly a plant for all seasons. In early summer, its leaf blades are tipped in red, and by autumn the entire leaf is a rich burgundy color and is topped by pink plumes. In winter, the leaf color fades to beige; the blades persist and offer cover to birds. ‘Shenandoah’ is a compact selection of an American native prairie grass. —Chris Kelley, Fine Gardening #120
Noteworthy CharacteristicsColorful foliage and frothy flowers on a cultivar of a U.S. native warm-season grass
CareGrow in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Cut back to the ground in late winter or early spring.
PropagationDivide plants in spring or early summer, or start seeds at 55° to 64°F in spring.
ProblemsNothing serious
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
D&X Garden Sprinkler
Scotts Cordless Grass-Shear/Shrub-Trimmer Combo
Water Right PSH-100-MG-1PKRS 400 Series, 100-Foot, Olive Green
- Genus : Panicum
- Plant Width : 1 to 3 feet
- Plant Height : 3 to 6 feet
- Zones : 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
- Bloom Time : Early Fall, Fall
- Light : Full Sun
- Plant Type : Grasses
- Maintenance : Low
- Moisture : Medium Moisture
- Flower Color : Pink
- Foliage Color : Purple/Burgundy
- Characteristics : Showy Fall Foliage, Showy Foliage
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest
Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members
Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.