Panicum 'Shenandoah'

Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah': A River of Burgundy Breezes

Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' evokes the serene beauty of a river at dusk, with its foliage turning a deep burgundy that ripples through the garden like a gentle breeze. This cultivar of Switchgrass captures the essence of tranquility and the vibrant spectacle of nature's palette, bringing a depth of color and a whisper of movement that is both mesmerizing and soothing. 'Shenandoah', celebrated for its early color change and elegant form, serves as a testament to the poetic beauty of ornamental grasses, offering a stunning visual display that complements the garden with its reflective, natural grace.

Product Characteristics:

• Height: 'Shenandoah' reaches a modest height of 90-120 cm, with its plumes arching gracefully, adding a vertical element that draws the eye without overwhelming the landscape.
• Spread: It forms a compact, upright clump with a spread of 45-60 cm, providing a touch of color that enriches the garden's texture and palette.
• Foliage Colour: The foliage is a lush green in spring, quickly transitioning to a rich burgundy by early summer, deepening in hue as the season progresses, mirroring the changing skies of Shenandoah at sunset.
• Flower Colour: Its blooms are a soft, airy pink to silver, appearing in late summer and adding a layer of delicate contrast to the vividly colored foliage.
• Flowering Period: The bloom period extends from late summer into early autumn, offering a subtle elegance that enhances the foliage's dramatic color transition.
• Sunlight Requirements: Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' thrives in full sun, where its burgundy hues can deepen, creating a vibrant display that captures the light and warmth of the day.
• Soil Requirements: This variety is highly adaptable to a range of soil conditions, showing particular resilience in well-drained, fertile soils, and maintaining its vigor in both dry and moist conditions.

Uses and Benefits: Beyond its aesthetic appeal, 'Shenandoah' serves as an exceptional choice for adding depth, warmth, and a sense of calm to the garden. It is perfect for borders, as an accent in mixed plantings, or in mass groupings where its striking hues can create a visually stunning display. Beyond its ornamental value, 'Shenandoah' plays a vital role in supporting biodiversity, offering habitat and food for wildlife, and contributing to soil stabilization with its deep root system.

Companion Plants: Pair Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' with plants that complement its vibrant form and rich color palette. The bright yellows of Coreopsis or the soothing blues of Nepeta create stunning visual contrasts, while the architectural forms of Sedum or the delicate fronds of Ferns provide a backdrop that accentuates its autumnal beauty.

Care Instructions: To ensure the vibrant display and healthy growth of 'Shenandoah', plant in a location that meets its sunlight and soil preferences. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, it becomes drought-tolerant, requiring minimal care. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Prune back in late winter to early spring to encourage a flush of new growth.

History: Inspired by the natural splendor and changing hues of the Shenandoah Valley, Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' embodies the spirit of this picturesque landscape, selected for its unique coloration and graceful growth habit. Its introduction has celebrated the evolving beauty of native grasses in garden design, marrying the fiery colors of autumn with the ecological and aesthetic needs of contemporary landscaping.

Final Thoughts: Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' is a celebration of serene beauty and vibrant color, bringing the tranquil yet dynamic essence of the Shenandoah sunset to the garden. Its rich burgundy foliage and elegant stature make it a focal point of reflective beauty, inviting gardeners and onlookers to appreciate the transformative power of ornamental grasses. For those seeking to infuse their landscapes with a touch of seasonal change and poetic grace, 'Shenandoah' offers a blend of aesthetic appeal, ecological value, and ease of care that is truly unparalleled, ensuring the garden remains a place of inspiration and contemplation throughout the year.