Reiman’s Pick
For the Week of August 25, 2008
Unexpected Fall Color: Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’
Emily Thomsen, Reiman Gardens, Iowa State University
As temperatures cool and air conditioners go on hiatus, the outdoor plants and vegetation perform their annual autumn transformation. As expected, maple and oak trees display flashes of warm-hued leaves. Yet there is another source for ornate fall color: ornamental grasses.
First popular in the late 1800s as part of Victorian era gardens, ornamental grass has again become sought-after in last twenty years due to its low maintenance needs, versatility, and striking form. Not only does Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’ fulfill these specifications, it also flaunts attractive, deep red and burgundy foliage during the fall months, making it an alluring addition to any garden or landscape.
Selected and introduced by Dr. Hans Simon of Germany, this cultivar of switchgrass undergoes a color makeover throughout the growing season. During early summer, the half-inch wide leaves are a common-colored green. However, as summer progresses, the leaf tips turn red, and burgundy-colored foliage is ‘Shenandoah’s’ grand finale for autumn. Adding to the plant’s charm are the airy red flower panicles that rise above the extensive leaves in early July. With leaves that flow to the ground and stand vertical, it can reach a height of 3 to 4 feet with a width of 2 to 2.5 feet. The cultivar is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9 and grows in clump formations. This resilient warm season grass can prosper in nearly any type of soil but does require full sun to part shade and regular watering. Because it is a perennial, ‘Shenandoah’ can be cut back at the end of the season or the next spring to allow for new growth the following spring.
To create a focal point in your landscape, plant multiple Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’ in small groups or in mass plantings. Additionally, the cultivar can be placed in the back of a perennial border where it acts as a notable accent to colorful, low lying plants. Native to prairies and open ground, this grass is also appropriate for wild gardens, naturalized areas, and pond or lake perimeters. For those that enjoy creating flower arrangements, ‘Shenandoah’ foliage makes an appealing addition to fresh or dried projects.
View the colorfully impressive transformation of Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’ and other enchanting ornamental grasses this summer and autumn at Iowa State University’s Reiman Gardens. This fall, the trees are not the only ones putting on a show.
|
