Shenandoah switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum ‘ Shenandoah ’ ) is a repeated grass that do back every year . As a gardening and landscaping expert , I have personally experienced the reliable return of switchgrass yr after yr . It is a hardy and lively plant that is well - suited for naturalizing in landscapes and garden .

One of the great advantages of switchgrass is its power to defy cold temperature . It is inhuman - hardy to USDA zona 3 , which include region with coarse wintertime such as northerly Minnesota , Wisconsin , North Dakota , and Maine . This intend that even in these areas , where temperature can drop as dispirited as -40 to -30 degree Fahrenheit , switchgrass will survive and return in the springtime .

Switchgrass is a aboriginal grass to North America , and its natural home ground include prairie , open woodlands , and meadows . In these environments , it has adjust to resist the convert seasons and come back twelvemonth after year . This resilience translates well to garden and landscape painting stage setting , making switchgrass a true selection for those looking for a low - maintenance plant .

When it come to overwintering switchgrass , no special upkeep is necessitate . Once established , it requires minimal maintenance . In late tumble , as the temperature drop and the growing time of year comes to an goal , switchgrass will start to go abeyant . The leafage will change by reversal a beautiful golden or cherry-red hue , adding involvement to the wintertime garden .

During the torpid period , switchgrass can tolerate cold temperatures and even snowfall cover . Its deep origin scheme helps it survive the winter months , as it can access moisture and nutrients from deeper in the soil . This also contribute to its power to come back year after class .

In the spring , as the soil temperature warms up , switchgrass will lead off to emerge from its dormancy . Modern shoots will start to appear , and the plant will grow and fill up out over the course of the growing time of year . By previous summer , switchgrass can make heights of 3 to 6 feet , depending on the specific variety .

It is important to observe that switchgrass is a fond - season Mary Jane , mean it thrives in the heat of summer . It may take a bit longer to establish in the first yr , but once it does , it will become more racy and vigorous in subsequent year .

Shenandoah switchgrass is a perennial grass that will make out back every yr without much extra care . Its cold - hardiness and power to hold harsh winters make it an splendid choice for nurseryman in dusty regions . Its resilience and modest - upkeep nature make it a honest and attractive option for naturalizing landscapes and tote up texture and interestingness to gardens .

Caroline Bates