Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah'
Common Name(s):
Tall panic grass
Thatchgrass
Synonym:
Chasea virgata
Wild redtop
Flower:
Pink
Blooms :
Jul
to:
Oct
Spikelets reddish pink .1-.22" long by .6" wide, showy
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
NO
Family:
Poaceae
Grass
Foliage:
Green
Bluish green leaves turn burgundy red by late June
Fall Color?
YES
Leaves turn yellow, sometimes with orange tints
:eaves fading to tan in winter
Photo by:
Heading 6
Seed plumes persist well iinto winter
Oregon Native?
NO
West State Native?
NO
Origins:
North America but most common from central great plains states
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
5
Water Needs:
M
Sun Needs:
Full Sun
Deer Resistant?
NO
Firewise?
YES
Height:
3-6'
Spread:
2-3'
Growth Rate:
Fast
Native Habitat:
Tallgrass prairies in North America
Soil:
Average, medium to wet soils
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Low
Fertilizer:
Requires no fertilization
Mulch:
Well-cured shredded wood, pine bark, pine straw
Pruning dead foliage back to ground in early spring, dividing clumps every 3-4 years, ensuring full sun to prevent flopping
Long Term:
Winter:
Leave foliage and seed heads for winter interest, food for birds, cold weather insulation for the roots
Spring:
Cut back the foliage to about 4-6 inches in the spring before growth resumes. When foliage is removed, spring growth will begin earlier. Old foliage left on the plant can delay the crown?s warming and subsequent growth by as much as 3 weeks.
Summer:
None except occassional watering if overly dry
Fall:
Grasses do not need to be cut down before winter. In fact, they are attractive when left standing and the foliage helps to insulate the crown of the plant.
General Care Comments:
Tolerant of drought, erosion, dry soil, wet soil, black walnut, air pollution
Common Problems
Plant flops in rich or shaded environments, yellows from overwatering, aggressive self seeding
Diseases:
Rusts, smuts, leaf spots
Insects:
Sap sucking insects, foliage chewers, stem borers
Environmental Problems:
Overwatering, poor drainage, flopping
Pests:
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