Shenandoah switchgrass is a versatile and beautiful grass that can be used in a variety of landscaping situations. One of its standout features is its ability to spread and create a striking mass planting. When using Shenandoah switchgrass as an accent grass in traditional borders, it adds a unique texture and visual interest to the overall design. Its compact size, growing about 3-4 feet tall, allows it to fit well within the border without overpowering other plants.
In larger landscaped areas, Shenandoah switchgrass can be used as a mass planting to create a bold and eye-catching display. Its late season red color is particularly striking and adds a burst of vibrant color to the landscape. The way the grass spreads and fills in an area is quite impressive, making it a popular choice for creating a naturalistic and cohesive look.
The spread of Shenandoah switchgrass can vary depending on growing conditions and management practices. It typically has a spread of about 18-36 inches, which allows it to fill in nicely and create a dense planting. However, it is important to note that switchgrass is not an aggressive spreader like some other grasses. It tends to clump and spread gradually over time, creating a more controlled and structured appearance.
Personally, I have used Shenandoah switchgrass in both accent plantings and mass plantings, and I have been impressed with its ability to spread and fill in an area. In one particular project, I used it as a border grass along a walkway, and it created a beautiful and naturalistic edge. The way it gently spread and filled in the space gave a soft and inviting feel to the overall design.
To maximize the spread of Shenandoah switchgrass, it is important to provide it with the right growing conditions. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate some partial shade. It is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including clay and sandy soils, as long as they are well-drained. Regular watering during the establishment period and occasional watering during dry spells will help the grass to establish and spread more effectively.
Shenandoah switchgrass is a fantastic choice for both accent grasses in traditional borders and mass plantings in larger landscaped areas. Its ability to spread and fill in an area gradually creates a beautiful and cohesive look. Whether you are looking to add texture and visual interest to your borders or create a bold display of late-season red color, Shenandoah switchgrass is sure to impress.
