What advantage do named Switchgrass cultivars like 'Shenandoah' offer over native ecotypes in residential gardens?
Answer
Predictable color and height uniformity
Horticulturists have developed numerous named cultivars of *Panicum virgatum* to meet specific aesthetic demands in designed landscapes, offering characteristics that are consistent and replicable. If a landscape designer requires a uniform vertical accent or a specific fall color change across multiple plants, selecting a named cultivar like 'Shenandoah' or 'Heavy Metal' ensures that the resulting height and color profile will be highly predictable. This contrasts sharply with using seed sourced directly from local prairie populations, where the genetic variability inherent in native ecotypes means outcomes in color, height, and habit will be less uniform and more subject to natural variation.
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