PANICUM virgatum 'Shenandoah'

Description

Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah'

Height x Spread:  100cm x 40cm

The trend for using grasses within a planting scheme continues to grow as their versatility is increasingly recognised.  'Go-to' plants for adding movement, sound and winter structure within a garden setting, Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' distinguishes itself through colour.  Its narrow strappy foliage emerges blue-green in late spring forming a neat upright clump above which a haze of tiny purplish flowers appear in late summer.  The smoke-like analogy is enhanced by the tips of the foliage turning red before spreading down the blades offering a fiery autumnal display.

Initially grown for a show garden at Hampton Court, 'Shenandoah' has become a firm favourite at the nursery, lending itself to both a mixed border or prairie planting scheme.  Easy to maintain, it just needs a good haircut close to the ground in late winter and it's ready to go.  For the best results plant it in full sun in a fairly fertile, free draining soil.