Why not use both? They would look very good together.

KR is a real sprawling show-stopper, which puts out an amazing amount of foliage and blossoms compared to the size of the crown. Don't underestimate the space she needs.

'Shenandoah' has much less foliage, and great foliage color. Blooms aren't quite inconsequential, but nothing compared to KR. It's also at least a foot taller than KR, so you could have contrasting foliage height, color and habit.

I grow them both, but not together. I may have to try it myself. I'm planning some mixed grass displays for next year, with Panicum amarum 'Dewey Blue,' Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' and Miscanthus purpurescens 'Autumn Red' all together. Might as well add KR and 'Shenandoah' to the mix.

Thanks for posting. When I read online, it sounds like KR takes up less space than Shenandoah. You don't agree? I assume you grow both of them? How wide do they get?

Not even close. KR will fill a 4' space from a 1' crown. It also expands its crown more quickly than 'Shenandoah.' My KR is in it's 3rd season now, from a small division, and has more than doubled it's crown size each year.

Hmm. The bed has some narrow areas, so I think that would limit me to the Shenandoah. But maybe I will try doing some mixing of the two and put the KR in the wider areas. What kind of height difference are we talking about? (sorry, I know I can find this info online, but I like getting REAL growing experiences).

'Shenandoah' 4' in foliage and 5' in blooms.

'Karley Rose' 2' in foliage and 3' in blooms.

The biggest difference is the habit. KR is a true Fountain Grass, so the blooms spray out all over the place. Some go straight up but most cascade out and down.

Thanks for being so attentive to answering my questions. I really appreciate it. I will have to take some measurements and then make a decision. Thanks again for your help.