Why Plant Shenandoah Switchgrass?
Your neighbors might call 911 when they see this fiery Fringe in your landscape! Shenandoah Switch Grass emerges a cool blue-green color, but in summer it develops blazing red tips. When the sun shines through them, they glow like hot coals. As the season progresses, the show gets even better, as the rest of the plant begins to take on rich, burgundy-red tones. Delicate dark red plumes appear in late summer to add a nice textural contrast. Use this head-turning Fringe to bring a burst of color to your entryway garden, patio plantings, or any of the beds and borders around your home.
Americans were slow to appreciate the charms of Ornamental Grasses in the garden. Only after European nurserymen and women paved the way did we learn to embrace the use of Fringes in the landscape. In many cases, even plants native to the U.S. were ignored in this country, while they were adored overseas! Such was the case with Switch Grass. Shenandoah Switch Grass was introduced by a German nurseryman, Dr. Hans Simon, who selected it from 500 seedlings he grew from another German variety called ‘Haense Herms’. Dr. Simon named the plant ‘Shenandoah’ in reference to the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia—far from its German origins, but much closer to its true homeland.
How to use Shenandoah Switchgrass in the landscape?
Shenandoah Switch Grass is a compact grower and one of the smallest Switch Grasses you can buy. It can fit into any landscape, no matter how tiny. You can even keep it in a container as a vibrant, portable color spot.
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 4-9
How To Plant Shenandoah Switchgrass
Shenandoah Switch Grass is bulletproof. Simply plant it in a sunny location in any type of soil and provide regular irrigation during the establishment period. Once it has put down roots, it will be fairly drought tolerant. Shenandoah is also tolerant of periodic flooding, making it a good component in a rain garden. Icy weather doesn’t faze it either—ice may flatten it temporarily, but as soon as it melts, this perky Fringe pops right back up again. Be patient—Switch Grass is one of the last plants to emerge in spring.
How To Water
This Switchgrass species are a rather drought tolerant kind, so they can handle dry and hot conditions. For best results, they prefer to be kept moist.
How To Fertilize
Shenandoah Switchgrass does not need regular fertilizing, but recommend using our Elements Starter Plant Food in the early spring every 2-3 years.
How To Prune
In late winter or early spring, cut back the old growth with manual or electric hedge trimmers or a bow saw to clear the way for new growth.
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our big trees, sizes XL and bigger, require expert delivery and care, that means our extra-large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care. We deliver your trees and plants directly to you. Ask Bower & Branch about planting services – we'd be happy to assist in installation.
*For Big trees and Shrubs, Size XL and bigger: Review our Seasonal Shipping Timelines and Policy here.
Your trees and plants are grown across the United States at various Bower & Branch Growers. Depending on your location, your plant orders may be shipped from various locations. Please expect orders with multiple items to be delivered over a number of days as a result. Orders made up of numerous items or selections will not arrive at your home on the same day.
Shipping Delays:
From time to time, Bower & Branch Growers may determine to delay order shipment based on various factors for plant health. Weather in your region, as well as, where your plants are grown, is always considered when shipping. Extreme weather conditions may delay some or all of your order. Bower & Branch allows our Growers to make final shipping decisions based solely to benefit your trees and plants’ health and success.
How Does Sizing Work?
The size of our trees have nothing to do with the container size like you may find elsewhere–big doesn't mean just height - it’s also vigor, age, and overall health. Other online retailers are going to tell you that a plant is a seven gallon, that means nothing to your tree or plant (or you.)
Our trees for sale online are graded on large, x-large, and even bigger sizes. This is because our trees are sized by their age—the higher the letter, the more mature the tree. The age determines the trees’ overall height, size of the trunk and the overall branch density.
All of these characteristics are what you should be looking for when choosing a tree for immediate impact and instant curb appeal. Our extra-large tree and plant sizes are sure to wow you and your neighbors!
See the size guides below.
