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Bouteloua gracilis
Blue Grama Grass
The small size of Blue Grama extends the range of
choices in a garden design. It can be used at the front of a border, as a
specimen, in the rock garden and with its very thin leaves and the fact that
it can be mowed, Bouteloua gracilis can be used as a low-maintenance lawn
substitute alone or combined with Buchloe dactyloides (Buffalo grass). It
holds the flowers well above the foliage, making a wonderful display of the
extremely decorative seedheads in the late summer and fall.
Calamagrostis x
acutiflora 'Avalanche'
Variegated Feather Reed Grass A beautiful
ornamental always in motion. A stunning variegated form of 'Karl Foerster'.
This selection has deep green leaves with a wide white stripe down the
center. The variegation remains distinctively appealing throughout the
growing season. This is the perfect plant to use as a screen or backdrop in
your garden due to its distinctly upright and clumping habit.
Calamagrostis x
acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' Feather Reed Grass
This reed grass is a vertical masterpiece and provides
wonderful contrast amongst low shrubs and perennials. Often used in
naturalized areas, its ultimate size is directly related to the amount of
moisture. Even though Calamagrostis can grow in fresh-water bogs, it also
does well in drier areas. One of the first grasses to start growing in the
spring, C. 'Karl Foerster' is an early bloomer, which is an asset in areas
with a short growing season. The blossoms change color through the season
and remain on the plant until winter snow brings them down.
Calamagrostis
brachytricha Korean Feather Reed Grass This
medium green clumping grass is a rather tidy plant. In late
August/September, 150 plus 4' tall refined looking pink plumes top
established clumps. The pink color gives way to a bronze tone that remains
through the fall.
Carex elata ‘Bowles
Golden’ Sedge
This Sedge makes a 30-in. fountain of foliage that is
bright chartreuse in shade and almost brassy where it receives a few hours
of direct sun. It’s a striking contrast for plants with bold or dark colors.
On its own among quiet ground covers, it makes a sculptural specimen. It
will grow happily with its feet at the edge of a pond or stream, but it is
equally at home in any reasonably moist garden soil.
Carex oshimensis 'Evergold'
Variegated Japanese
Sedge
A dense, clump-forming sedge rising to 10" tall and to 20" wide which is
grown for its foliage effect. Features grass-like, arching, variegated
leaves, which are creamy yellow with dark green borders. Forms drooping
clumps. Easily grown in medium wet-to-wet soil in part shade. Foliage color
richer in shade than in sun. Tends to languish in full shade. Soil must not
be allowed to dry out, however.
Deschampsia
caespitosa ‘Northern Lights’ Variegated Tufted Hair Grass
A delightful and unique ornamental Northern Lights
Grass--each narrow blade is variegated with gold. In spring, new leaves are
tipped in pink then fade to creamy white. Graceful plants 12" high and
12-15" wide are perfect for smaller landscape areas or containers. Also
lovely when planted in groups of three or more.
Elymus arenarius
‘Blue Dune’ Blue Lyme Grass
This is a very tough plant that is much more heat
tolerant than other selections. Very beautiful bright blue blades that push
upward and outward. It is vogorous and stoloniferous, and will often be a
bit pushy in a regular garden situation, but does well around shrubs and
trees.
Erianthus ravennae
Ravenna Grass, Northern Pampus Grass
This is also known as
'Hardy Pampas Grass' due to the huge plumes that resemble its Southern
cousins. By late summer, the plumes begin to shoot skyward and provide
movement in the garden with just the slightest breeze. With foliage that
reaches 5 feet tall and plumes that tower to 8-12 feet, Erianthus ravennae
is an ideal grass to make a living windbreak or screen. Also provides
excellent winter interest in the landscape.
Hakonechloa macra
‘All Gold’ Japanese Forest Grass
Having all the admirable qualities of its deservedly popular cousin, H.
macra 'Aureola' -- long sword-shaped leaves that form graceful clumps -- but
the foliage of this newcomer is completely golden, without a tincture of
tree green, making it even more striking when planted along a woodland path
or beside a shady terrace, or anywhere in soft, dappled light.
The reddish inflorescence in the fall adds color and
grace.
Hakonechloa macra
‘Aureola’ Golden Japanese Forest Grass
Best choice for shade. Golden mounding variegation really puts a bright spot
in shaded areas. Spills nicely over edges of walkways or low walls. Likea a
moist humusy soil, and good drainage.
Helictotrichon
sempervirens ‘Sapphire’ Blue Oat Grass
Clump forming, wiry, vivid blue-gray leaves radiates out from the center to
form a bristling round dome of foliage to 2 feet tall (like a form of a
large pincushion). Moderately drought tolerant. Use a stiff rake annually to
remove old foliage. Interesting companion plantings are Russian Sage and
Sedum 'Ruby Glow' or 'Autumn Joy'. The panicles are white to beige and are
borne on tall stems (sparse flowing in hot/humid weather).
Imperata cylindrica
‘Red Baron’ Japanese Blood Grass
Outstanding! Red Baron’s deep red color appears first at the tips of its
grassy leaves, then dramatically bleeds downward, eventually covering the
tip tow-thirds of the blades. Its rich red color remains attractive well
into the fall, creating stunning contrast to other foliage and flowering
plants in borders, woodland gardens and containers.
Melinis nerviglumis
'Pink Crystal' Ruby Grass
1998 Plant Select. Many gardeners consider the shimmering heads of bright
ruby and silver flowers the most beautiful new contribution to bedding or
the border. It sparkles like champagne bubbles. Height: 20-24" Width:
12-15" Blooms: August to September. Sun: Full Annual
Miscanthus sinensis ‘Border Bandit’
This has fine textured, narrow, green leaves that are marked with widely
spaced, gold horizontal bands. It forms an upright, vase-shaped formal
clump. Come October, its burgundy coloured plumes may also add fall
interest, but in any case, site this ornamental grass where its wonderful
winter silhouette can be enjoyed!
Miscanthus sinensis
‘Graziella’ Maiden Grass
'Graziella' is noted for its narrow green leaves which
form a substantial, rounded, arching clump of foliage typically growing 4-6'
tall (to 7' when in flower). Foliage turns orange-red in fall, but fades to
straw-beige by winter. Tiny white flowers appear in tassel-like
inflorescences above the foliage in late summer, gradually turning into
silvery white plumes as the seeds mature. Blooms earlier than most
Miscanthus cultivars. Flower plumes persist well into winter providing good
winter interest. Similar in appearance to M. s. 'Gracillimus' except blades
are more erect and overall clump height is shorter.
Miscanthus sinensis
‘Huron Sunrise’
The most profusely blooming Miscanthus. Though the green leaves with
silver mid-ribs form beautiful clumps, the most outstanding feature of this
new cultivar is its flowers. In late summer, a profusion of full, burgundy
plumes sweep the sky. The plant maintains its graceful form throughout
winter, providing tremendous winter interest. Hardy to zone 4, this variety
is great for northern climates.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Kleine
Silberspinne' Silver Spider Eulalia Grass
A
densely-tufted
eulalia grass cultivar which typically forms an upright foliage clump rising
4-5' tall of narrow (1/2" wide), linear, slightly arching, green leaves.
Tiny pink-tinged flowers in tassel-like inflorescences appear in late summer
on stalks rising well above the foliage to 6' tall. Tassels gradually mature
into silvery plumes which purportedly have a spidery appearance, hence the
cultivar name. After seed sets, the continuing flower effect of the plumes
lasts well into if not through the winter. Foliage gradually turns tan after
frost.
Miscanthus sinensis
'Morning Light' Silver Variegated Maiden Grass
A grass cultivar that is noted for its very narrow green leaves with white
variegation on the margins. Foliage has an overall silvery appearance.
Typically forms an upright, rounded clump of foliage growing 4-6' tall. Not
much fall color, with blades eventually turning straw-beige by winter. Tiny
reddish-copper flowers appear in long tassel-like inflorescences above the
foliage in mid to late September, gradually turning into silvery white
plumes as the seeds mature.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus'
Porcupine Grass
One of the best
ornamental grasses for a suburban garden. Unlike Miscanthus 'Zebrinus', this
upright form of zebra grass has no political aspirations...it doesn't lean
to the right or left...great where a more structural form is needed. The
3/4" wide green leaves have dramatic horizontal golden bands throughout the
leaf. It is great as an accent but awesome when used in a large
mass...bronze plumes appear in late summer and last until spring, extending
a foot above the foliage!
Miscanthus sinensis
‘Rotsilber’ Maiden Grass
Strong upright habit and slim leaves, each with a narrow silver stripe down
the centre of the leaf. A very deep red flower turning white and fluffy late
in the autumn. A dramatic and imposing plant introduced by Ernst Pagels and
worth growing as a specimen plant.
Miscanthus sinensis var. purpurascens
Flame Grass This very easy-to-grow grass forms
a compact, neat plant that remains attractive throughout the year. Its
foliage develops richer and richer red coloration as the summer progresses,
culminating in flaming orange-red in fall. Attractive, reddish tassel-like
plumes arise above the foliage in late summer and pale to creamy white in
fall, remaining on the plant throughout the winter and providing contrast to
its dark burgundy winter foliage - a striking visual display when
illuminated by early morning sun.
Miscanthus sinensis
‘Zebrinus’ Zebra Grass
Zebra grass is one of the most fascinating variegated grasses because its
yellow-on-green variegation runs in horizontal bands. With a round, weeping
form, Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus' grows to 6-7 feet tall and 5-10 feet
wide. It is a fast grower and is virtually carefree. 'Zebrinus' is nearly
identical to M. sinensis 'Strictus' with a slight difference in form: while
'Strictus' is spiky and upright, 'Zebrinus' forms an arching clump that is
not quite as tall.
Ophiopogon
planiscapus 'Nigrescens' or ‘Arabicus’ Black Mondo Grass
Originally introduced in the US in 1960 by California's Oakhurst Gardens,
each 6" tall circular mound is composed of truly black 1/4" wide foliage.
Spreading slowly by rhizomes, a single plant will make a nice 18" wide mat
in 3 years. For quicker coverage, we plant on 10-12" centers. This
easy-to-grow groundcover makes a fabulous backdrop for blues, golds and good
imaginations.
Panicum virgatum
'Cloud Nine' Giant Blue Switchgrass
A large and stately native grass with a vase-shaped
habit and sturdy upright blades. In late summer it blooms in huge clouds of
silvery fawn that remain attractive into the winter. Simply spectacular
waving in the breeze!
Panicum virgatum 'Heavy
Metal'
This
perfectly named native grass is incredibly beautiful and adds a touch of
class to any garden. The metallic-blue foliage grows tightly and vertically.
And it won’t flop over, even under snow! ‘Heavy Metal’ is a tough,
long-lived, warm-season bunch grass that contrasts nicely when planted next
to mounding Artemisia Powis Castle.
Panicum virgatum
‘Huron Solstice’ Red Switch Grass
This new selection has blue-green foliage that turns a deeper shade of
wine-purple beginning in early summer. This grass is strictly upright from
top to bottom, unlike 'Prairie Fire' whose leaves curl at the top. In late
summer, deep purple panicles are produced.
Panicum virgatum
‘Prairie Fire’ Red Switch Grass
A spectacular switch grass with sturdy, upright, blue-green stems and
wine-red leaves. In the spring, the foliage is blue-green, but by early
summer the leaves begin to turn a stunning shade of deep red. Most red
switch grasses do not begin to turn color until late summer, so this grass
is quite remarkable in that it changes color so early in the season. In late
summer, a bouquet of rosy panicles is displayed just above the foliage.
Panicum virgatum
'Prairie Sky'
The
tight-growing, upright columns of sky-blue foliage are superb, especially in
the fall when the plant is topped by a haze of sandy-colored flower spikes.
Nice planted with other prairie wildflowers.
Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’
This grass can easily be mistaken for Japanese Blood
grass. The leaf tips turn red soon after it starts to grow in the spring. In
fall the foliage is a spectacular deep burgundy color.
Pennisetum
alopecuroides ‘Foxtrot’ Giant Fountain Grass
This forms a dense clump as tall as it is wide. In late summer, smoky rose,
bottlebrush plumes measuring 6-8 inches or longer are produced. In their
early stages, a tuft of white hairs appears at the end of each plume,
looking a bit like a fox's tail. In the fall, the narrow green leaves turn
gold.
Pennisetum
alopecuroides ‘Hameln’ Dwarf Fountain Grass
A compact growth habit and finely textured foliage
make this one of the most popular Pennisetum cultivars. Tidy tufts of
foliage are topped in late summer with fuzzy cream-colored blooms. A
trouble-free and reliable garden plant.
Pennisetum
alopecuroides ‘Little Bunny’ Miniature Fountain Grass
A truly miniature fountain grass with cream seed heads
that resemble little bunny tails. This petite Ornamental grass is great for
the front of the border or for gardens with limited space. Pennisetum
'Little Bunny' is virtually deer-proof!
Pennisetum
alopecuroides ‘Red Head’ Fountain Grass
This impressive new grass Pennisetum 'Red Head' is the largest flowering of
all the Fountain Grasses! Pennisetum 'Red Head' has plumes which resemble
burgundy-red foxtails when opening and then explode into huge smoky-purple
bottlebrushes. Each bottlebrush plume measures a whopping 3" wide and over
8" long! Attractive gold foliage in the fall.
Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose'
Oriental Fountain Grass
Uniform, upright clumps of gracefully arching, deep
green foliage erupt into soft rose-purple plumes from early summer until
frost. Enjoy its subtle straw color in the winter.
Schizachyrium
scoparium ‘Blaze’ Little Bluestem
Little Bluestem grass is invaluable in
xeriscapes and nateive wildflower plantings. A cultivar selected by
agronomists in NE as a high yielding pasture grass, “Blaze” is also used
ornamentally for its vivid red fall foliage. In winter it remains a standout
as the leaves fade to deep pink. “Blaze” is easily grown and adapts to any
soil type, including clay.
Schizachyrium
scoparium ‘Prairie Blues’ Little Bluestem
Features upright clumps of slender bright grey-blue
leaves. In August, purplish-bronze flowers appear on branched stems above
the foliage. These give way to clusters of fluffy, silvery-white seed heads.
In autumn, the leaves of this native grass change to red-orange; the vibrant
colour often persists through winter. Once established, this plant will grow
in hot, dry areas where other plants struggle! |