By Linda Kay Harrison
You probably have a spot in your garden or landscape that needs a little ‘something’, right? Lots of people do, but are not sure what to do with it. Consider adding ornamental grasses.
Ornamental grasses are a wonderful addition to any garden. There is a size and shape to fit almost any space. Some grasses have a graceful arching habit, while others are very upright and vase shape. They provide an appealing texture and contrast to most garden plants. There are grasses for both sun and shade, and most varieties can also provide year-round interest.
Landscape project completed by Dennis’ 7 Dees at PDX Headquarters
Grasses also come in a wide variety of colors and textures. In addition to green, there are grasses that are tones of bronze, reds, yellows, golds, silvers, blues and even black. Some grasses have narrow, wispy blades, and some are bold, with wide leaves and fleshy stalks.
PDX Headquarters
Most ornamental grasses produce a plume or seed head that adds an element of interest beginning in late summer and that, if left uncut, will usually last through the winter. The best time to cut back most ornamental grasses is late winter or very early spring, just as the new growth starts popping up.
Here is a brief list of some of our favorite grasses:
Sun grasses:
Blue Oat Grass
Fescue ‘Elijah Blue’
Liriope
Molina ‘Variagata’
Miscanthus ‘Morning Light’
Calamagrostis ‘Karl Forster’
Pennisetum ‘Karley Rose’
Carex – ‘Prairie Fire’
Shade grasses:
Carex ‘Sparkler’ and ‘Evergold’
Japanese Forest Grass
Ophipogon ‘Black Mondo’
Juncus ‘Gold Strike’ and ‘Unicorn Rush’
Lazula ‘Aurea’
Evergreen grasses:
Blue Oat Grass
Fescue ‘Elijah Blue’
Liriope
Carex
Juncus
Grasses can add a contemporary look to containers especially when paired with annual succulents!
Dennis’ 7 Dees carries a wide variety of ornamental grasses and their knowledgeable staff can help you find just the right grass for that spot that needs that little ‘something’ special.
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