Great Grasses

Despite recent growth in popularity, ornamental grasses are still one of the most under-utilized categories of garden plants. This is especially unfortunate because there is a grass to fit almost any situation. There are grasses that are perfect for sun, shade, landscapes, and containers for every region of the country. From compact border edging plants to tall back anchors, grasses come in every size and shape with diverse colors, forms and textures. Renowned ornamental grass specialist and enthusiast John Greenlee has pulled together a collection of some of the best ornamental grasses to form the John Greenlee Collection^™. Following are highlights from this collection to add depth and texture to your garden:

Finding interesting new plants for shade is always a challenge and some of the ornamental grasses fit the bill perfectly. Why not try Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) or Quartz Creek Soft Rush (Juncus effuses 'Quartz Creek') both of which are fairly tall with showy flowers. For plants with great foliage color but a little smaller in stature (12-18") try Dwarf White Striped Sweet Flag (Acorus gramineus 'Variegatus') or Evergold Sedge (Carex hachijoensis 'Evergold'). If you need the perfect plant to edge your shade bed, look into using 'Miniature National Arboretum' Lilyturf (Lioriope sp.). It sports very dark green to purple foliage and bears blue berries.

Spots that remain constantly damp are also a challenge, but there are several grasses that will thrive with wet feet. Northern Sea Oats is excellent in wet conditions as well as shade. New Zealand Hair Sedge (Carex comans 'Frosted Curls') which has beautiful pale-green, fine, curly leaves and Fiber Optic Grass (Scirpus cernuus) which has leaves tipped with small white flowers are both 8" tall. For a taller plant try Heavy Metal Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal') or Umbrella Plant (Cyperus papyrus 'Alternifolius'). Both will grow to more than 3' tall.

Several of the plants that are good for wet conditions will also thrive in garden ponds. Umbrella Plant, Heavy Metal Switch Grass, and Fiber Optic Grass are all good water garden plants. If you would like to grow a Papyrus, but you don't have room for a 6' tall plant, try Dwarf Papyrus (Cyperus papyrus 'Isocladus') that is only 12-18". Another fabulous grass is Leather Leaf Sedge (Carex buchanii), sporting cascading coppery leaves. For that shady pond, try Quartz Creek Soft Rush (Juncus effuses).

Other great selections include Slender Veldt Grass (Pennisetum spathiolatum) which is excellent in dry conditions. Autumn Reed Grass (Calamagrostis brachytrica) is extremely heat tolerant, is beautiful in winter and is great for dried flower arrangements. Heavy Metal Switch Grass and Dwarf Ribbon Grass (Phalaris arundinacea 'Dwarf Garters') are two more grasses with nice winter texture.

More grasses with excellent color include: Acorus gramineus 'Ogon' with yellow foliage, China Love Grass (Eragrostis sp.), Ruby Grass (Melinus nerviglumis 'Pink Crystals'), and two Fountain Grasses (Pennisetum messiacum 'Red Bunny Tails' and Pennisetum setaceum 'Red Riding Hood') with pink flowers. If you want blue foliage try Blue Fescue (Festuca ovina glauca 'Elijah Blue') or Blue Oat Grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens).

Other ornamental grasses which are lovely specimens for containers, rock gardens, and bed edges are available. For more information on ornamental grasses click here or ask your local Proven Winners Certified Retailer.