Panicum, Switch Grass, Wand Panic Grass 'Shenandoah'

'Shenandoah' switchgrass is an excellent upright non-invasive (Zone 5) drought-tolerant grass. Its useful structural foliage will withst...Read Moreand the snows of winter.
I have 'Shenandoah' growing in sandy soil of a 4 ft. wide strip between my sidewalk and the street. This area receives supplemental drip irrigation from me less than 10 times each year (annual precip. in my area is ~10 in. per year, which is pretty low).

'Shenandoah''s metamorphosis from blue-green to deep burgundy is a great part of the plant's charm. When the seedheads appear in late Su...Read Moremmer, their subtle beauty makes 'Shenandoah' glitter. The grass remains upright, despite summer downpours and throughout Winter. If 'Shenandoah' begins to splay out when wet, it's time to hack off a piece from the outer edges, about every three years for a mature clump. 'Shenandoah' is definitely one of my faves!

Planted 4 years ago in less than ideal soil; they've developed beautifully with gorgeous burgandy color starting in August in my zone 4 ...Read Morearea. It's such a great grass that I'm adding 5 plants to a new bed I'm working on today. Don't get concerned in the spring - these are late to break through.

Also non-invasive in my zone.
Although it is not a bright red as seen in the catalogs it is a nice color in the Fall.

Purple red leaves that look like tall grass, accented by bright red plumes in late summer. Leaves turn deep purple in fall.

...Read More> Non-invasive variety from Germany. Said to handle drought and neglect well.

Looks like an easy enough one to try in my novice garden!