| "Ornamental Grasses "
Arundo
donax Giant Reed Grass
Almost bamboo-like in appearance, this 18–20' grass works well as a screen. Plumes appear in August well above the blue-green leaves. It is drought-tolerant, but can also live temporarily in standing water.
Plant 48 to 60 inches apart Zone 6–10 full sun 2 gal
donax 'Variegata’ Striped Reed Grass
The same corn plant form as Arundo donax, but with creamy yellow-white stripes and shorter stature at 6–9'. Variegation holds up through the summer although it is more pronounced in spring.
Plant 48 to 60 inches apart Zone 7–10 full sun 2 gal
Calamagrostis
x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ Feather Reed Grass
2001 Perennial Plant of the Year. While the 18–24" foliage grows in a handsome, arching clump, it is the tall, slender upright flower spikes that distinguish this grass. The graceful golden spikes rise 4–5' above the foliage in May and June, and persist well into the winter. The only difference between ‘Karl Foerster’ and the stricta is that in colder climates ‘Karl Foerster’ grows more compactly and blooms 2 to 3 weeks earlier. Feather Reed Grass will tolerate some shade, but prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Try it with Fountain Grasses for a classic combination. Like the species, ‘Karl Foerster’ works well with a myriad of woodies, perennials, and other grasses.
Plant 30 inches apart Zone 4–9 full sun to part shade 1 gal, 2 gal
x acutiflora ‘Overdam’ Feather Reed Grass
This choice Feather Reed Grass with white variegation on the narrow 12" high foliage has a gold tassle on a rigidly erect 36" stem that appears in June. It is an excellent grass for specimens and groupings. Try it with Fountain Grasses for a dramatic effect.
Plant 30 inches apart Zone 4–9 ll sun to part shade 1 gal, 2 gal
x acutiflora stricta Feather Reed Grass
A clump-forming grass gives a strong, vertical line, with rigidly erect stems from 4–5' in height. Its slender yellow spikes begin to appear in the cool weather of late spring. The bright gold color lasts well into winter. Its narrow grass-like foliage stays low at 22" or so, growing in average garden soil. It combines well with woody ornamentals and a host of perennials, can be used as an accent plant, or in background plantings.
Plant 24 to 30 inches apart Zone 4–9 full sun to part shade 1 gal, 2 gal
brachytricha Korean Feather Reed Grass
Thick clumps of rich grassy foliage at 2' are followed in September through November by puffy, rosy-purple upright blooms at 3 1/2', then become cinnamon-colored for the winter months. The strong vertical line complements other grasses with arching habits, as well as many flowering perennials. Looks great in small groups, handles moist, but well-drained soil, and will tolerate some shade quite happily.
Plant 24 to 30 inches apart Zone 4–9 full sun to part shade 1 gal, 2 gal
Carex
divulsa 'Gold Fountains’ Golden Sedge
Same weeping, graceful, narrow leaf blades as ‘Evergold’, which make such a graceful presence in the part shade, but this 12" Carex is a soft green color with a golden edge. The effect is a lovely golden glow in a dark spot. Try it with a medium-sized blue-leaved Hosta such as ‘Halcyon’, Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s Mantle), and the glossy dark green of Helleborus or Bergenia.
Plant 18 inches apart Zone 5–7 part sun to part shade 1 gal
elata ‘Bowles’ Golden Sedge’ Golden Variegated Sedge
Positively glowing in the moist, partial shade it loves best, ‘Bowles Golden’ Carex is a clump-grower with a solid yellow leaf blade. At 2–3' in height, it has a distinct upright, rather than weeping growth habit. At the water’s edge or massed in the shade, you will find it very showy, indeed.
Plant 12 inches apart Zone 5–9 part sun to part shade 1 gal
glauca (flacca) Blue Sedge
The blue leaves of this drought-tolerant Carex have a somewhat arching shape and are about 6-8" tall. We like its slow but steady spreading habit that makes it perfect for massing in sun or light shade where drought tolerance is a plus. It is adaptable to a range of soils including alkaline types as well as soil with some salinity. Try it with purple-leaved Heucheras and a variegated Lamium for a complementary variety of foliage types.
Plant 18 inches apart Zone 5–9 part sun to part shade 1 gal
morrowii ‘Ice Dance’ Silver Variegated Sedge
Once established, this spreading Carex has much improved drought-tolerance and general vigor. Shiny, strong leaves are a bit wider that our other Sedges. The green and white variegation give a bright silvery look. This semi-evergreen Carex is a graceful as it is strong-looking at 12" in height, and prefers moist, rich, well-drained soils.
Plant 18 inches apart Zone 5–9 part sun to part shade 1 gal
morrowii ‘Silver Sceptre’ Silver Variegated Sedge
Very arching narrow 1/4" green leaves with a white edge give this Carex a uniformly fine fountain shape. If happy in the moist well-drained shady situation it favors, it will spread slowly by rhizomes creating more silvery clumps. At 12", it is evergreen, long-lived, and not difficult to grow.
Plant 18 inches apart Zone 5–9 part shade to full shade 1 gal
oshimensis ‘Evergold’ Variegated Japanese Sedge
A clump-forming grass 1' high with weeping, narrow yellow grass blades with a green vertical mid-line, this Carex is evergreen, grows best in partial shade, and is valuable as a ground cover, for edging, in woodland settings, rock gardens, and pond areas. Try Carex in combination with a blue Hosta such as ‘Blue Cadet’, Epimedium rubrum, and spotted Pulmonaria.
Plant 18 inches apart Zone 5–9 part sun to part shade 1 gal
Chasmanthium
latifolium Northern Sea Oats
Native to our area, this grass grows in loose, upright clumps 3' high with attractive, nodding oat-like seed heads that appear in late July. The leaves and flattened wild oats are a deep green in shade, and will be lighter green in more sunlight. Excellent winter interest is created as the seed heads and foliage turn bronze. Use Northern Sea Oats in the partial shade of a naturalized area, as waterside plantings, or in the perennial border. They are attractive in cut-flower arrangements.
Plant 30 inches apart Zone 5–9 full sun to part shade 1 gal, 2 gal
Cortaderia
selloana White Pampas Grass
King of the ornamental grasses, Pampas grows 9–12' high in large, upright clumps, and is used at the back of perennial borders, as screening, or for architectural interest. Its showy, feathery panicles are silvery white, from 1 to 2 feet in length, appearing in October. It has been known to survive our mild Zone 7 winters especially if clumps are tied up and the root area mulched well. Needs a well-drained location especially in the winter.
Plant 36 to 48 inches apart Zone 8–10 full sun 2 gal
selloana ‘Andes Silver’ True Hardy Pampas Grass
Popular in home gardens since Victorian times for their stunning flowers and architectural form, the modern dwarf Pampas cultivars have great potential for our gardens with their compact height and prolific blooms. The 5–7' ‘Andes Silver’ is truly hardy, has large creamy plumes in the fall, and is great as a cut flower or specimen in the garden.
Plant 48 to 60 inches apart Zone 5–10 full sun 2 gal
selloana ‘Pumila’ Dwarf Pampas Grass
If you like the look of Pampas Grass, but find it too tall for your gardening needs, ‘Pumila’ may be the answer. This introduction has foliage no more than 4–5' tall, and plumes that reach only 5' or 6'. Its lovely, creamy-white plumes will add grace and interest in the small border or as an accent plant by itself. It has proven hardy as far north as Long Island, and has been known to survive mild winters in our Zone 7.
Plant 36 to 48 inches apart Zone 7–10 full sun 2 gal
selloana ‘Rosea’ Pink Pampas Grass
A graceful giant with arching, rosy plumes characterized like Cortaderia selloana above. The 9–12' panicles make elegant cut flowers for fresh and dried arrangements.
Plant 36 to 48 inches apart Zone 8–10 full sun 2 gal
Deschampsia
cespitosa Tufted Hair Grass
Valued for its pale green or purple-tinged airy panicles that appear in masses in late June and last through late August, this dark green native is about 18" high and prefers acidic, moist soil in a sunny or partly shaded area.
Plant 18 inches apart Zone 4–9 full sun to full shade 1 gal
Erianthus (Saccharum)
ravennae Plume Grass
Often compared to Pampas grass, Erianthus is much hardier. Grass blades reach 5–7', turning bronze to red in the fall. The long plumes grow on 12' strong stems turning silver in late fall. Great for the back of the border, for screening, or as a specimen. Likes moist, well-drained, fertile soil.
Plant 36 to 48 inches apart Zone 5–9 full sun 1 gal, 2 gal, 5 gal
Festuca
glauca 'Boulder Blue’ Blue Fescue
A new color break-through best described as slate with a silvery appearance from a distance. A classic cool-season Festuca with foliage more upright and stiff than ‘Elijah Blue’ below. Tough and hardy at 12".
Plant 12 inches apart Zone 4–8 full sun 1 gal
glauca ‘Elijah Blue’ Blue Fescue
Effective throughout the year, ‘Elijah Blue’ is 8–10" of fine, tufted, blue-gray foliage. It needs light, well-drained soil and full sun. It can be used in ground cover plantings, in the rock garden, or as an edging plant. In the perennial border it combines readily with a number of colors and foliages. Try it combined with red, pink, and/or yellow flowers such as our Scabiosa ‘Pink Mist’, Coreopsis ‘Moonbeam’, or Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’.
Plant 12 inches apart Zone 4–8 full sun 1 qt(order 12), 1 gal
Hakonechloa
macra ‘Aureola’ Golden-variegated Hakone Grass
The graceful arching stems of this Japanese native spread slowly by rhizomes creating loose, cascading mounds reminding one of graceful bamboo, preferring cool, moist organic soil. At 14" the leaves are almost entirely a bright golden yellow with just a few very slender green stripes remaining. Cooling temperatures in autumn provide gorgeous tones of pink and red in the foliage. This is a striking color accent whether used as a groundcover or protected container plant as long as it has substantial shade during our eastern U.S. summers.
Plant 15 inches apart Zone 6–9 part shade to full shade 1 gal
Helictotrichon
sempervirens ‘Sapphire’ Blue Oats Grass
Resembling a tall type of Festuca at 2' in height, ‘Sapphire’ is an improved version of Blue Oats that is stronger and more heat tolerant. It has stiff, blue-gray foliage with a nice clump habit that can be evergreen in our area. It is the color and delicacy of the foliage that make this grass useful, although panicles do appear in mid-summer. Try it with Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’, Hosta ‘Halcyon’, and Siberian Iris for a pleasing variety of forms and colors.
Plant 18 inches apart Zone 4–8 full sun 1 gal
Imperata
cylindrica ‘Red Baron’ Japanese Blood Grass
Though the leaf base is green, the rest of the plant is a brilliant blood red, and it stays that way throughout the growing season. This slow-growing grass has an upright, open habit 12–15" tall. It grows best in sun to partial shade in moist, but well-drained soil. It looks best when planted in groups of three to five plants (the more the better), making a gorgeous ground cover in a partly shaded woodland location. Try it as an accent plant as well as with blue-flowering, gray foliage plants like our Caryopteris (Blue Beard), Buddleia, Artemisia, Russian Sage, or ‘Sunny Border Blue’ Veronica.
Plant 18 inches apart Zone 6–9 full sun to part shade 1 qt(order 12), 1 gal
Miscanthus
floridulus Giant Miscanthus
The 12–14' stems of this dramatic grass make it useful for both accent and screening. It is the latest blooming Miscanthus with towering white fan-like blooms in mid to late October. Its wide upright leaves turn from dark green to tan in the winter with a strong, upright habit. A tough, winter, weather-hardy grass, its stalks are striking against the snow and frigid cold of a January day after the wind has blown away its leaves.
Plant 48 to 60 inches apart Zone 5–9 full sun 2 gal, 5 gal
purpurascens Red-leaved Miscanthus
If you think your garden looks tired and boring after a long, hot summer, give purpurascens a try. Green, with a strong vertical growth habit all growing season, it produces a magenta-colored bloom that turns to white in September. Best of all, the leaves turn intensely orange-red in August. In the middle of the border, it will also help ease the transition from one color or texture to another. Grasses seem to have this ability to make a garden look more natural and pleasing to the eye. Grows 4–5'.
Plant 36 to 48 inches apart Zone 6–9 full sun 1 gal, 2 gal
sinensis ‘Adagio’ Adagio Grass
The narrow, silvery-gray leaves on this 3' grass make for the sturdy, arching form that is as lovely in the dead of winter as at the height of summer. The pink inflorescence turns gradually white in the fall as do many of the Miscanthus grasses. Another very hardy grower that forms quickly into a thick graceful clump of very moderate size.
Plant 36 to 48 inches apart Zone 6–9 full sun 1 gal, 2 gal
sinensis ‘Cabaret’ Cabaret Grass
‘Cabaret’ has broad, green leaves with wide, cream-colored stripes and a decidedly upright growth habit. It reaches 6–7', and has a lush appearance, most welcome in the searing days of late summer.
Plant 36 to 48 inches apart Zone 5–9 full sun 2 gal
sinensis ‘Cosmopolitan’ Variegated Reed Grass
One of the best new variegated grasses, ‘Cosmopolitan’ has very broad, green leaves with white margins. Statuesque at 6–8', it blooms silver in September and has a good, non-floppy habit.
Plant 36 to 48 inches apart Zone 5–9 full sun 2 gal
sinensis ‘Dixieland’ Dwarf Variegated Grass
This 3–4' dwarf version of Variegated Miscanthus should strike a chord with gardeners who like the bright green and white striped leaves of the larger Variegated Miscanthus, but yearn for a shorter version for the smaller garden.
Plant 36 to 48 inches apart Zone 6–9 full sun 2 gal
sinensis ‘Gracillimus’ Maiden Grass
One of the nursery favorites, ‘Gracillimus’ has slender, arching, dark green foliage that forms an expanding clumped base to serve equally as a lovely screen or elegant hedge, or as a lush backdrop for the rest of the garden. It blooms red in September and October to a height of 6–7'.
Plant 36 to 48 inches apart Zone 5–9 full sun 1 gal, 2 gal, 5 gal
sinensis ‘Graziella’ Graziella Grass
At 5–6', Graziella is not so tall as to overwhelm the surrounding plants if used in the back of the border. It has a very slender silvery midrib, and is more upright than ‘Gracillimus’. It begins to bloom from July on to September with gorgeous silvery white plumes that start off a silky, rose-pink, and then its foliage turns a lovely orange. Looks fantastic combined with our Rudbeckia ‘Autumn Glory’, the taller fountain grasses, or Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’.
Plant 36 to 48 inches apart Zone 5–9 full sun 1 gal, 2 gal
sinensis ‘Little Nicky’ (‘Hinjo’) Dwarf Zebra Grass
Green foliage with yellow horizontal stripes like ‘Zebrinus’, but only reaches 3–4'. The answer for those who love the striking look of Zebra Grass, but yearned for a shorter version.
Plant 36 to 48 inches apart Zone 5–9 full sun 2 gal
sinensis ‘Malepartus’ Malepartus Grass
We have included ‘Malepartus’ because of its moderate size at 5–6', and its early August bloom time. A robust grower with a medium wide green leaf, its large bloom is a striking purplish-pink that matures to silver. The lovely bloom is distinctly separate from the 3–4' foliage.
Plant 36 to 48 inches apart Zone 5–9 full sun 2 gal
sinensis ‘Morning Light’ Variegated Maiden Grass
Another very popular grass in our nursery, ‘Morning Light’ is the variegated version of ‘Gracillimus’, but a little shorter. It is upright, blooms red in August and September, and has a strongly arching growth habit that gives it a feathery, billowing look. From a distance, its look is absolutely light and silvery. A strong specimen plant on its own, or very striking blended with darker shades of color and foliage in the large mixed border. As with all our grasses, annual maintenance is limited to a good haircut 6–8" from the ground in the early part of March before spring growth starts. It grows 5–6' tall.
Plant 36 to 48 inches apart Zone 5–9 full sun 1 gal, 2 gal, 5 gal
sinensis ‘Silberfeder’ Silver Feather Grass
The green leaves have a silver mid-stripe on this 7–9' grass which has lovely silver-white, fan-shaped plumes from August into October, that last throughout the winter. The foliage reaches 6' and the plumes to 9'. A large, but graceful grass in groups, or as a specimen.
Plant 36 to 48 inches apart Zone 5–9 full sun 2 gal
sinensis ‘Silberpfeil’ Silver Arrow Grass
Much like ‘Variegatus’ in size and color, Silver Arrow Grass is 5–6' in height with brighter white variegation on the 1/4–1/2" wide leaves. What attracted our attention was its reputation for having less tendency to flop. Reddish blooms appear above the foliage in August and September. In fall, the foliage turns almond in color.
Plant 36 to 48 inches apart Zone 5–9 full sun 1 gal, 2 gal
sinensis ‘Strictus’ Porcupine Grass
Similar to Zebra Grass, ‘Strictus’ has horizontal bands of yellow on the green leaves, but its difference is that it grows in a more stiff, erect manner. Thus its common name, Porcupine Grass. Its leaves are also more erect, creating a spiky effect. Always a favorite specimen grass, it grows to 6–8' and blooms pink in August and September.
Plant 36 to 48 inches apart Zone 5–9 full sun 1 gal, 2 gal,5 gal
sinensis ‘Variegatus’ Variegated Miscanthus
Long a favorite, this bright grass has variegated leaves that are white with a rather wide, green stripe down the middle. The clumped foliage has an arching habit that makes it perfect in waterside gardens around a pond or along a stream, or to brighten up dark areas in the middle or background of your perennial garden. In September it flowers in pale pink panicles that turn beige. Grows 5–6'.
Plant 36 to 48 inches apart Zone 5–9 full sun to part shade 1gal,2 gal,5 gal
sinensis ‘Yaku Jima’ Dwarf Maiden Grass
More and more of our customers are discovering ‘Yaku Jima’. It provides the strong narrow green leaves of Maiden Grass, but in a 3–4' version. It achieves a thick, full clump of billowing, arched foliage quickly, and silver flowers in August. If you’re unsure about the tall varieties, but want to try an ornamental grass in your gardening scheme, ‘Yaku Jima’ is the answer.
Plant 36 to 48 inches apart Zone 5–9 full sun 1 gal, 2 gal
sinensis ‘Zebrinus’ Zebra Grass
Zebra Grass is marked by striking horizontal bands of yellow on its dark green foliage. Its height is between 7 and 8', and it is clumping in habit, as are all the Miscanthus varieties. Its leaves are much less upright and erect than Porcupine Grass, so it has a more arching habit. It has a pale yellow to beige bloom in September. A good plant for a waterside garden, in groups, or as a specimen.
Plant 36 to 48 inches apart Zone 5–9 full sun 1 gal, 2 gal
Molinia
caerulea ‘Skyracer’ Tall Purple Moor Grass
Upright and unusually tall to 8', the gray-green basal leaves reach 2-3' with the inflorescens providing the sculptural form and graceful movement from the time they appear in mid-summer. ‘Skyracer’ will thrive with minimal maintenance. It prefers a cool climate, but will handle our heat if kept moist. Like so many ornamental grasses, it is not fussy about soil fertility and offers an attractive clump quickly that only improves in looks and substance as growing seasons roll by. In autumn, all of ‘Skyracer’ turns a rich golden-yellow.
Plant 24 to 36 inches apart Zone 4–7 full sun 2 gal
Ophiopogon
‘Ebony Knight’ Black Mondo Grass
The unique black, grass-like leaves of this perennial are a color rarity among plants. At 6", ‘Ebony Knight’ reminds us of Liriope with its grassy foliage. It has rather insignificant pale pink flowers in early fall followed by black berries. While slow-growing, it is most frequently used as edging or as a ground cover that forms dense grass-like turf. It is a tough little plant that is tolerant of hot, dry conditions, although its preference is for moist soil in part shade. Try it with Hostas of any color for a dynamic effect.
Plant 8 to 10 inches apart Zone 6–9 part sun to part shade 4" pot
japonicus ‘Nana’ Dwarf Mondo Grass
At 3", this dwarf variety of Mondo Grass has very dark green, grass-like foliage. This is a dependable performer if given the shady moisture-retentive soil it likes best. Another great rock garden choice as well as a shady ground cover.
Plant 8 to 10 inches apart Zone 6–9 part sun to part shade 4” pot
Panicum
virgatum ‘Cloud Nine’ Blue Switchgrass
A strong-growing, blue Switchgrass with clouds of airy, gentle blooms from August to November, ‘Cloud Nine’ is a good substitute for the bigger Miscanthus varieties. Big and bold, it can reach 6' in average-to-moist soil in full sun to light shade.
Plant 36 inches apart Zone 5–9 full sun 2 gal
virgatum ‘Hanse Herms’ Red Switchgrass
The airy, mist-like bloom with its reddish tint in the fall, enable this red native Switchgrass to provide a striking effect in a mass or at the back of the border. The foliage is a finely-textured green at 4–5' with tops turning reddish in late summer, then beige in winter. Try it with Asters, Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ or ‘Brilliant’, or Yucca.
Plant 36 inches apart Zone 5–9 full sun 1 gal, 2 gal
virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ Blue Switchgrass
‘Heavy Metal’ achieves the open, airy look characteristic of Switchgrass, but it manages to be stiff and upright in habit with sensational metallic-blue foliage. This native is drought-tolerant, hot and cold resistant, and never needs staking. Its seed heads float over the delicate blades in late July and August to a height of 4–5', turning tan color over winter. A great wildlife cover.
Plant 36 inches apart Zone 5–9 full sun 1 gal, 2 gal
virgatum ‘Prairie Sky’ Blue Switchgrass
Truly the bluest of the Panicums, the blue leaves are accented by narrow stems that carry the airy, delicate-looking blue seed heads from August on at 3–4'. This compact Wisconsin native is a strong, upright grower, breaks dormancy sooner than other Panicums, will never need staking, and trust us—it’s blue.
Plant 36 inches apart Zone 5–9 full sun 1 gal, 2 gal
virgatum ‘Rotstrahlbusch’ Red Switchgrass
Hardly distinguishable from ‘Haense Herms’, ‘Rotstrahlbusch’ has green leaves in summer which turn red-burgundy in autumn. Its airy panicles are also red-tinged in fall to a height of 4-5'.
Plant 36 inches apart Zone 5–9 full sun 1 gal, 2 gal
virgatum ‘Shenandoah’ Red Switchgrass
You may wonder at yet another red Switchgrass, but this gorgeous Panicum has the brightest burgundy fall foliage we’ve seen so far. Green leaves at 4' in early summer, begin turning dark red in July, and are a rich burgundy by September. Looking for all the world like Blood Grass on steroids, its red panicles appear in August.
Plant 36 inches apart Zone 5–9 full sun 1 gal, 2 gal
Pennisetum
alopecuroides Fountain Grass
Fountain Grasses are about as versatile as an ornamental grass can be. This mound grower has finely textured, arching, rich-green leaf blades with rose/coppery-tan seed plumes or “fox tails” that appear on the tufts in August to October, then last all winter, reaching a height of 3–4'. This popular Fountain Grass is used extensively for borders, in masses, as an accent or specimen plant, or incorporated in water or poolside plantings. Try it with Feather Reed Grass, Asters, Joe Pye Weed, Black Eyed Susans, Sedums, or Yucca, to name just a few.
Plant 24–30 inches apart Zone 5–9 full sun 1 gal, 2 gal
alopecuroides ‘Cassian’ Cassian Fountain Grass
This is a compact, strong-growing 18–24" Fountain Grass, the green leaves of which are tinged with red in the fall. Blooming from August to October, its dark brown inflorescence gradually fades to a lovely beige.
Plant 24–30 inches apart Zone 6–9 full sun 1 gal
alopecuroides ‘Hameln’ Dwarf Fountain Grass
‘Hameln’ is almost identical to P. alopecuroides, but is a bit more compact, blooms a little earlier beginning in July, and is shorter in height at 2–3' tall. Its tassles emerge rosy and turn a coppery tan. Keep in mind that all the Fountain Grasses are tuft or mound-growers, so they are definitely not invasive.
Plant 24–30 inches apart Zone 5–9 full sun 1 gal, 2 gal
‘alopecuroides Little Bunny’ Fountain Grass
Who can resist finding a spot in the border, rock garden, or small garden for ‘Little Bunny’? This graceful, arching little Fountain Grass is like ‘Hameln’ in all respects save one—it does not grow over 11", usually around 6–8". This is a fast grower.
Plant 12 inches apart Zone 5–9 full sun 1 gal
alopecuroides ‘Moudry’ Black Flowering Fountain Grass
Its striking, long, dark-brown, almost black, plumes emerge neatly from the arching, deep green leaf blades in September on this late blooming Fountain Grass. ‘Moudry’ is compact and neat at 2–3' and makes a good cut flower.
Plant 24–30 inches apart Zone 5–9 full sun 1 gal, 2 gal
orientale Oriental Fountain Grass
This is another Fountain Grass with fox tail-like flowers from July to October that grow to 2–3' in height. Its look is more delicate and open than P. alopecuroides or ‘Hameln’. Its foliage has a gray-green appearance that blends with its lovely, purplish-pink, arching seed heads that turn white later in the summer.
Plant 24 inches apart Zone 6–9 full sun 1 gal
setaceum ‘Rubrum’ Purple-leaved Fountain Grass
Striking maroon leaves keep their color all summer, and the 6–8" long maroon seed heads are lovely from June until frost on this 4' Fountain Grass. This is a perennial that is not hardy through our winter. Simply treat it as an annual and you won’t be disappointed.
Plant 24 to 30 inches apart Zone 8–10 full sun 1 gal
Phalaris
arundinacea ‘Strawberries and Cream’ Ribbon Grass
A bit of pink variegation appears with the white and green leaves on this native Ribbon Grass. Its foliage is a bit finer than ‘Picta’, it is 2' in height, but is also an aggressive grower, tolerating wet conditions.
Plant 24 inches apart Zone 4–9 full sun 1 gal
arundinacea ‘Picta’ Ribbon Grass
The wide-leaf blades are bright green with white stripes on this vigorous, native ground cover that grows 18–24" tall. It needs a large area in the garden or can be planted in submerged bottomless containers to keep growth under control. It is excellent for soil stabilization, and handles seashore conditions. If it becomes leggy and brown during the summer, it can be mowed to 4–6" in midsummer for fresh new foliage.
Plant 24 inches apart Zone 4–9 full sun 1 gal
Schizachyrium
scoparium ‘The Blues’ Little Bluestem
A widespread US native, Little Bluestem is effective massed as a naturalized ground cover for erosion control, or as a specimen in the border or rock garden. Its narrow, upright, light-blue foliage has soft, somewhat hairy leaves about 12" long, but most of its 3' height consists of delicate flower spikes that appear from July through September. Little Bluestem is known for holding its bronze to flaming-orange fall color well into winter, and has attractive seed heads as well.
Plant 18 inches apart Zone 3–10 full sun 1 gal |
