Explore the Best Companion Plants for Shenandoah Switchgrass

If you're looking to add some unique texture and color to your garden or landscape, Shenandoah switchgrass is an excellent choice. This ornamental grass is known for its striking red and burgundy hues, which deepen as the season progresses. But while Shenandoah switchgrass is beautiful on its own, it can be even more stunning when paired with the right companion plants. In this article, we'll explore some of the best plants to grow alongside Shenandoah switchgrass, so you can create a vibrant and eye-catching garden design.

Benefits of Companion Planting

Before we dive into the specific plants that pair well with Shenandoah switchgrass, let's take a moment to talk about the benefits of companion planting in general. Companion planting is the practice of growing different types of plants in close proximity to one another, with the goal of creating a mutually beneficial relationship. Some of the benefits of companion planting include:

Pest Control

Some plants naturally repel pests, while others attract beneficial insects that can prey on common garden pests. By strategically planting certain species together, you can reduce the need for chemical pesticides and promote a healthier, more diverse ecosystem.

Soil Health

Certain plants are known to improve soil health by fixing nitrogen, breaking up compacted soil, or adding organic matter. When grown together, these plants can create a more fertile and resilient growing environment.

Aesthetic Appeal

Of course, one of the main reasons to pair plants together is to create a visually appealing landscape. By choosing plants with complementary colors, textures, and shapes, you can create a garden that is both beautiful and functional.

Companion Plants for Shenandoah Switchgrass

Now, let's talk about some of the best companion plants for Shenandoah switchgrass. Keep in mind that these are just suggestions - there are many other plants that could work well depending on your specific growing conditions and design preferences.

1. Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea)

Coneflowers are a popular choice for gardens and landscapes, thanks to their bright and cheerful blooms. When planted alongside Shenandoah switchgrass, they provide a striking contrast with their pink, purple, or white petals. Plus, coneflowers are a favorite among pollinators like bees and butterflies, so they can help attract beneficial insects to your garden.

How to Plant

Plant coneflowers in full sun to partial shade, and make sure they have well-draining soil. They are relatively drought-tolerant once established, but will benefit from regular watering during dry spells. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms throughout the season.

2. Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta)

Black-eyed Susans are another classic garden flower that pair well with Shenandoah switchgrass. Their bright yellow petals and dark centers add a pop of color to any landscape. Like coneflowers, they are also attractive to pollinators.

How to Plant

Black-eyed Susans prefer full sun and well-draining soil. They can tolerate some drought, but perform best with regular watering. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage more flowers throughout the season.

3. Blue Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis)

Blue wild indigo is a native perennial that produces tall spikes of blue-purple flowers in early summer. Its upright growth habit makes it a great companion for Shenandoah switchgrass, which has a similar form. Plus, blue wild indigo is a nitrogen-fixer, meaning it can help improve soil health.

How to Plant

Plant blue wild indigo in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It prefers slightly acidic soil, so amend with compost or peat moss if necessary. Water regularly during the first growing season to help it establish, then let it do its thing.

4. Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

Little bluestem is a native grass that pairs beautifully with Shenandoah switchgrass. Its blue-green foliage turns shades of orange and red in the fall, creating a stunning contrast with the burgundy tones of Shenandoah switchgrass. Plus, like Shenandoah switchgrass, little bluestem is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.

How to Plant

Little bluestem prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It can tolerate some drought once established, but will appreciate occasional watering during extended dry periods. Cut back dead foliage in late winter before new growth emerges.

5. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Butterfly weed is a type of milkweed that produces bright orange flowers in midsummer. As its name suggests, it's a favorite among butterflies and other pollinators. When planted alongside Shenandoah switchgrass, it creates a lovely contrast between its warm orange blooms and the cool tones of the grass.

How to Plant

Butterfly weed prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It's relatively drought-tolerant once established, but will appreciate regular watering during hot, dry spells. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers throughout the season.

Other Considerations

When choosing companion plants for Shenandoah switchgrass (or any other plant, for that matter), there are a few other things to keep in mind:

Light Requirements

Make sure the plants you choose have similar light requirements to Shenandoah switchgrass. Most of the plants listed above prefer full sun, but some can tolerate partial shade.

Soil Type

Different plants have different soil preferences - some like it sandy and well-draining, while others prefer rich and fertile soil. Choose plants that will thrive in the same type of soil as your Shenandoah switchgrass.

Height and Form

Consider the height and form of both the Shenandoah switchgrass and the companion plants when designing your garden. You'll want to choose plants with a similar growth habit and/or complementary shapes to create a cohesive look.


Shenandoah switchgrass is a stunning ornamental grass that can be even more striking when paired with the right companion plants. By choosing plants with complementary colors, textures, and forms, you can create a vibrant and eye-catching landscape design. Consider some of the plants listed above, or do some research to find other species that might work well in your specific growing conditions.

FAQs

Q: Is Shenandoah switchgrass invasive?

A: No, Shenandoah switchgrass is not considered invasive. It's a clumping grass that won't spread aggressively like some other types of grasses.

Q: How tall does Shenandoah switchgrass get?

A: Shenandoah switchgrass can grow up to 4-5 feet tall and wide.

Q: Does Shenandoah switchgrass need to be cut back in the winter?

A: It's not necessary to cut back Shenandoah switchgrass in the winter, but you can trim it back to about 6 inches above ground level if you prefer a neater appearance.

Q: How often should I water Shenandoah switchgrass?

A: Shenandoah switchgrass is drought-tolerant once established, but will appreciate occasional watering during extended dry periods. Aim to give it about an inch of water per week.

Q: Can I plant Shenandoah switchgrass in containers?

A: Yes, you can plant Shenandoah switchgrass in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its mature size. Use a well-draining potting mix and water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist.