Switch Grass
Panicum 'Shenandoah'
Switch Grass Plant Features
Switch grass is a remarkably versatile perennial grass that tolerates wet or dry soil, black walnut trees, and even deer and rabbits. The plants develop upright clumps of bright green foliage that's often tipped with red when it first appears in the spring. In the summer, switch grass develops airy, reddish-pink flower plumes that will remain on the plant through the winter. And, when fall rolls around switch grass foliage turns into glowing shades of red and purple. A North American native, switch grass grows about 4 feet tall and requires almost no care once it's established. Hardy from zones 4-9.
Switch Grass Questions
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Switch Grass Growing Instructions
Switch grass grows best in full sun with moist, well-drained soil that's rich in organic matter It can grow in some partial shade, but the plants are more likely to flop over and less likely to develop rich fall color. Switch grass can tolerate both dry and wet situations.
Image courtesy Ball Horticultural
Switch grass is not intended for human or animal consumption.
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Light
Outside: Part sun
Outside: Sun -
Colors
Green, Red
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Water
Low water needs
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Special Features
Colorful foliage
Deer/rabbit resistant
Groundcover
Complement your Switch Grass with these varieties:
Coneflower makes a colorful companion for Switch Grass.
The beautiful daisy-like flowers of Black-Eyed Susan and Switch Grass are an awesome combination.
Perennial Sunflower is a good partner for Switch Grass.
Varieties: Our Favorites

Panicum elegans 'Frosted Explosion'
This annual grass shows off elegant plumes that look like fireworks. Because the plumes are long lasting, they're good choices for cut-flower arrangements and dried-flower crafts. It grows 36 inches tall and wide.