Grasses, Ornamental

Ornamental Grasses & Grass-like Plants

These are true 3 and 4 season plants for the garden that deliver a lot of bang for just a few bucks. We have tried to choose varieties that are easy to grow in a wide range of sites (although most do require full sun) and are not rampant spreaders that might displace native species. Less expensive and more dramatic than many "specimen" woody plants, grasses should find a home in any garden setting and can be enjoyed and shared with friends and family for years to come. We also grow a few selections of ornamental grasses which are great for use in patio containers, but should generally be treated as annuals. Here is our grass and grass-like plant list for 2010:

Acorus gramineus ‘Ogon’
Golden Variegated Sweet Flag (Zone 5)
This sweet flag is similar to ‘Variegatus’ only with golden variegation. A wonderful plant for adding texture and coloration to the shade garden. Plants grow to 15" tall and spread approximately 12" wide at maturity.
...............Available in 1-Quart only.

Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Avalanche’ (PPAF)
Feather Reed Grass (Zone 5)
A striking variegated form of the PPA Plant of the Year ‘Karl Foerster’. This introduction from Steve Schmidt has white centers that contrast nicely with the deep green margins. Unlike ‘Overdam’, the variegation remains crisp and showy all season long. This Mid-season bloomer grows to 48” tall by 24” wide and is great when used as a specimen or better when used in mass plantings.
...............Available in IMPACT container only.

Calamagrostis acutiflora ’Karl Foerster’
Feather Reed Grass (Zone 5)
Selected as the 2001 Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year, ‘Karl Foerster' is truly a nice three-season grass. It begins its growth early in spring and is one of the earliest flowering of all the grasses we offer. The flower spikes emerge greenish-bronze in May and change over to a nice tan color as the season progresses. This grass is 3-4' tall in flower with the medium green, strap-like foliage growing to about 24". Very easy to grow in full sun and average (even heavy) garden soils. Great as a vertical specimen or used in masses with Rudbeckias and other fall blooming perennials.
...............Available in 1-Quart and IMPACT containers.

Calamagrostis acutiflora ’Overdam’
Variegated Feather Reed Grass (Zone 5)
A variegated selection of Feather Reed Grass. The foliage emerges in early spring green with a vertical variegation that is creamy-white tinged with pink. It grows to about 36" in flower, but is primarily grown for its foliage effect. The foliage looks best when grown in part-shade and average garden soils that are kept moist in the heat of summer. A very nice plant for texture and color in the garden.
...............Available in 1-Quart and IMPACT containers.

Calamagrostis brachytricha
Korean Feather Reed Grass (Zone 5)
This fine textured grass blooms later than our other Calamagrostis cultivars with pink inflorescences appearing in early fall. This warm season reed grass grows 4-5’ and can tolerate some shade. Plants need a lot of water until established, but once established are relatively drought tolerant and prefer average to dry soil.
...............Available in 1-Quart container only.

Carex appalachica
Appalachian Sedge (Zone 3)
This little sedge makes a nice groundcover with a fountain-like habit that twists and swirls. Its fine texture and free form creates motion in the garden. It likes drier sites in sun or part shade, so it is very versatile and low maintenance. It can make a nice lawn substitute. It grows up to 12".
...............Available in 1-Quart only.

Carex dolichostachya ‘Kaga Nishiki’
Gold Fountain Sedge (Zone 5)
'Kaga Nishiki' is a beautiful shade loving sedge with nearly evergreen striped golden foliage. The leaves are narrow and grow 10-12" tall and the plants are reported to be relatively drought tolerant once established. Cut back last year’s foliage in early spring before new growth starts. This cultivar performs best in a full sun to part shade site with moist, average soils. These are striking in mass plantings and can brighten up woodland paths.
...............Available in 1-Quart only.

Carex elata 'Aurea'
Bowles Golden Sedge (Zone 5)
Stripes of green accent the delicate textured gold foliage. This sedge is well-suited for the moist or wet area of the garden and thrives even when grown in a few inches of water. The gold coloration is best when planted in full sun, however it is tolerant of drier soils when planted in shady conditions. Plants reach 18-30" tall.
...............Available in 1-Quart and IMPACT containers.

Carex flacca (glauca)
Blue Sedge (Zone 5)
This is an excellent choice for a groundcover in a tough site! It features blue-gray foliage that slowly spreads but is not invasive. It grows to only 9" tall and prefers a moist loam in full sun but will adapt to almost any site including those with light to medium shade. The reddish inflorescence appears in mid-summer. Foliage should be cut back if ratty to produce beautiful new growth.
..............Not available for 2011.

Carex laxiculmis Bunny Blue^® ('Hobb')
Sedge (Zone 5)
An attractive foliage plant with showy wide blue leaves, produced in a low growing mound. Can be grown in full sun if planted in a rich, moist soil. Otherwise just moist average garden soil for shade to part-shade plantings. Flowers are insignificant. Good as a ground cover or border planting. Grows to 12".
...............Available in IMPACT container only.

Carex morrowii ‘Ice Dance’
Sedge (Zone 5)
This semi evergreen sedge has shiny variegated leaves. This plant can take full to part shade and grows up to 12" tall. A great addition to the shade garden for fine bold textured effect.
...............Available in 1-Quart and IMPACT containers.

Carex muskingumensis ‘Little Midge’
Palm Sedge (Zone 5)
This dwarf palm sedge has narrow green leaves and grows to 10" tall. Plants spread slowly and can be grown in sun or shade. Adds a nice texture if massed together and is excellent for containers. If placed in full sun plants may require more frequent watering.
..............Not available for 2011.

Carex muskingumensis ‘Oehme’
Variegated Palm Sedge (Zone 5)
Light-green foliage is edged with a yellow margin. Blades are thin and fan out up the stems to create what looks like mini palm trees. It’s a really fun plant! It’s slow growing, but is happy in either part shade or shade with moist or dry soil. It grows to 18" tall.
.............Not available for 2011.

Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’
Variegated Sedge (Zone 5)
This sedge has green leaves and a narrow creamy margin. A great plant for massing or contrast to stone walls. This is a must have for the shade garden!
...............Available in 1-Quart only.

Carex ‘Silver Sceptre’
Silver Sedge (Zone 5)
A showy addition to the garden, this sedge has white edged leaves and is a clump former. Its narrow leaves give it a fine texture that breaks up more dense areas in the garden. It grows to 12" in part to full shade. It is great for the front of the border, in drifts, or just tucked in here and there. Zone 5
...............Not available for 2011.

Chasmanthium latifolium NEW!
Northern Sea Oats (Zone 5 )
Native U.S. grass with flat, oat-like seed heads that bloom in late summer and persist through winter for added season interest. Foliage has a golden fall color. Plants tolerate dry shade or moist sunny sites. Grows 3’.
..............Available in 1-Quart and IMPACT containers.

Deschampsia cespitosa ‘Northern Lights’
Hair Grass (Zone 4)
A great plant to use for borders and containers. Narrow foliage is a mix of green and creamy white, but is tinged with reddish-pink. It has a tidy habit with summer flowering panicles that provide a graceful, airy texture. Grows 18-24" tall and prefers full sun and average soil.
.............Available in 1-Quart only.

Festuca glauca ’Elijah Blue’
Blue Fescue (Zone 4)
This is a clump forming cool season grass with powdery-blue, needle-like foliage. The color holds well through the summer and is a good accent to other plants. The foliage can grow up to 8" and the plants prefer well-drained soils. It can be used in mass or as an edging plant at the front of the border. It is best to let Festuca run dry during the dormant summer season.
...............Available in 1-Quart and IMPACT containers.

Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’
Variegated Hakone Grass (Zone 5-6)
If given protection from cold drying winter winds, this premium selection will brighten the part-shade garden for years to come. Its bright yellow-green variegated foliage makes an excellent accent or edger plant. Its arching mounds reach 24" tall and the plants require rich moist soils and some winter protection in colder northern climates. With a little protection it should overwinter well in our area!
...............Available in 1-Quart and IMPACT containers.

Hakonechloa macra ‘Beni-kaze’
Hakone Grass (Zone 5)
This hard-to-find Japanese selection features green foliage that displays wonderful red tones in the fall. The flowing form produces nice clumps of 2-3’ tall plants with an equal spread. Plant in part shade and moist soil.
...............Not available for 2011.

Helictotrichon sempervirens 'Sapphire'
Blue Oat Grass (Zone 4)
This is a beautiful blue foliage grass that is great as an accent plant or used in mass. The powder-blue foliage grows 18" tall with fine textured flowers that appear usually in July. The foliage in zone 5b tends to be semi-evergreen. Blue Oat grass should be grown in full sun and must have a well-drained soil to thrive. It is prone to root-rot in heavy clay soils and rust in too much shade, so site this plant properly and it will reward you yearly! We have had best results when we let this grass run extremely dry in its dormant summer months.
..............Not available for 2011.

Imperata 'Red Baron'
Japanese Blood Grass (Zone 6)
Bright crimson foliage grows 12-18" tall and can spread to form a gorgeous mass. Spreading sometimes can be a problem especially with the green offshoots. In warmer areas this plant can spread more rapidly. In fact this plant is banned in several states as it can become invasive but when planted in a proper area in Ohio it seems to behave itself rather appropriately.
...............Available in 1-Quart only.

Liriope muscari 'Big Blue'
Lilyturf (Zone 5)
'Big Blue' is the most versatile and most popular green liriope! Wide dark green foliage gives way to beautiful lavender flower spikes in summer. An excellent choice for edging along the perennial border or woodland bed as well as in rock gardens. An outstanding ground cover for shaded or dry sites, does well even in dry shade. Cut back in early spring to promote fresh new growth. Grows 12-18" tall.
..............Not available for 2011.

Liriope muscari 'Monroe's White'
Lilyturf (Zone 5)
'Monroe's White', the only white flowering lilyturf, forms dense dark green clumps of grass-like foliage. This summer flowering cultivar is excellent as a ground cover or edging but must be planted in partial shade or leaves will burn. Plants are highly adaptable and require little maintenance. Cut back foliage in early spring to encourage new growth. Grows 12-18" tall.
..............Not available for 2011.

Liriope muscari 'Royal Purple'
Lilyturf (Zone 5)
Beautiful deep purple flowers rise on spikes above dark green, grasslike foliage. This summer flowering cultivar is excellent as a ground cover or edging. Plants are highly adaptable and require little maintenance. Cut back foliage in early spring to encourage new growth. Grows 12-18" tall.
..............Not available for 2011.

Liriope muscari 'Variegata'
Lilyturf (Zone 5)
Showy green and white striped foliage create a nice background for beautiful lavender flowers. The variegation will increase with sun & decrease with shade. A great choice for adding foliage color in the border and also beautiful when used in large numbers. Superb ground cover for shaded or dry sites. Cut back in early spring to promote fresh new growth. Grows 12-18".
..............Not available for 2011.

Liriope spicata
Lilyturf (Zone 5)
This rapid spreading groundcover has thin green leaves that create a nice fine texture in the garden. Plants are widely adaptable and are a great choice for slopes, erosion control, or use as and edger. Pale lavender flowers bloom in summer, though not prolifically. Tolerant of dry soils. Cut back in early spring to promote fresh new growth. Grows 12-18" tall.
..............Not available for 2011.

Liriope spicata 'Silver Dragon'
Lilyturf (Zone 5)
A green and white variegated form of Liriope spicata. Plants are widely adaptable and tend to spread more slowly and do not cover as densely as the straight species. Grows 10-18" tall in sun or shade.
..............Not available for 2011.

Miscanthus 'Purpurascens'
Flame Grass (Zone 5)
As its’ common name suggests, this grass has wonderful coloration. Light green foliage turns a beautiful reddish-orange with the onset of cooler fall temperatures. Magenta blooms turn to white as they age. Plants reach 4’ tall when in flower and prefer dry conditions in full sun.
...............Available in IMPACT container only.

Miscanthus sinensis ’Adagio’
Dwarf Maiden Grass (Zone 5)
A Kurt Bluemel selection with narrow, silver-green foliage that grows 4' tall. The flowers open pinkish-silver in August and mature to a nice creamy white. Plant in full sun and a moist rich garden soil.
...............Available in IMPACT container only.

Miscanthus sinensis 'Gold Bar' (PP15193)
Maiden Grass (Zone 5)
A showy new selection from Joy Creek Nursery. This slow grower has bright-green foliage that is heavily banded with creamy-yellow stripes from the base of the plant to the tips of the leaves. In fall, burgundy flowers appear just above the foliage. Slowly grows to a mature height ranging from 3-5' in full sun and a moist but well-drained soil.
...............Available in IMPACT container only.

Miscanthus sinensis ’Gracillimus’
Maiden Grass (Zone 5)
Reliably hardy in zone 5, Maiden grass grows 5-6' with narrow green foliage with a silver center stripe. The copper colored flowers appear in September and mature to a nice silvery color that persists into winter. Plant in full sun and a rich garden soil. Great in masses and screens!
...............Available in IMPACT container only.

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Little Kitten’
Dwarf Maiden Grass (Zone 5)
'Little Kitten' is a beautiful dwarf selection growing to only 2’. The fine green foliage grows in a tight compact mound. The shorter habit makes it more easily used in a variety of confined garden situations. Because of its' small stature it does not flop or open up. Fan shaped plumes are produced in August and reach about 3’. Prefers full sun with drier soils. As with most other ornamental grasses with showy plumes, these plants should be cut back in early spring so their form can add interest to the winter garden.
...............Available in IMPACT container only.

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Little Zebra’ (PP13008)
Maiden Grass (Zone 5)
In our continuing search for good new plants we have come upon this new selection with at least three desirable traits. First it flowers late so that spread from seed should not be a problem. Second, the yellow banding remains attractive (visible) all season on the narrow, dark green leaves. Third, it is a dwarf selection growing to only 40” tall so flop should not be a problem either. Its flowers that appear in Late-season are reddish purple and useful in many garden settings.
...............Available in 1-Quart and IMPACT containers.

Miscanthus sinensis ’Morning Light’
Japanese Silver Grass (Zone 5)
A variegated selection that has an overall finely textured, silver-gray appearance. The flowers are bronze colored when opening in Mid-season and mature to gray and persist into winter. 'Morning Light' grows 4-5' tall in full sun and a moist garden soil.
...............Available in IMPACT container only.

Miscanthus sinensis ’Variegatus’
Maiden Grass (Zone 5)
An old selection but still one of the best. Wide white striped foliage forms open clumps that grow 4-5’. The typical Miscanthus flowers appear in August 1-2' above the foliage. Because of the foliage it is best to place this cultivar in a part-shade area to prevent leaf scorch. In fall, the foliage turns a nice shade of tan and adds additional interest to the garden.
...............Available in IMPACT container only.

Panicum virgatum ’Dallas Blues’ (PP11202)
Switch Grass (Zone 5)
A different looking Panicum with wider, powder-blue foliage that really makes a statement in the landscape. Also a large selection, reaching almost 7' in the garden, it has very showy purplish flowers and seed heads. This native is easy to grow in a wide range of soils and is best if grown in a full sun site.
...............Available in IMPACT container only.

Panicum virgatum ’Heavy Metal’
Switch Grass (Zone 5)
A metallic blue foliage selection of our native switch grass. The stiff leaves form an upright clump 36" tall. The large flower panicles appear in July 18" above the foliage. The foliage then turns a bright yellow in fall and holds its silhouette well into winter. Plant in full sun and average moist to almost wet soil. Great as a specimen, in mass, and near water features.
...............Not available for 2011.

Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’
Switch Grass (Zone 4)
A great native to use as a substitute for miscanthus for a vertical accent in the garden! ‘Northwind’ is a great introduction with blue-green foliage with a distinctive upright habit reaching 5’ tall. It is a fast grower that is tolerant of a wide range of soils including very wet. Performs best if grown in full sun. Its’ straw-colored flowers appear in September.
..............Available in IMPACT container only.

Panicum virgatum ’Shenandoah’
Switch Grass (Zone 5)
The king (queen) of the red foliaged switch grasses, this German introduction has red foliage throughout the season and into fall. The flowers are airy in appearance and are also red. They first emerge in July and top off the plant height at about 3' tall. Cultural information is the same as the other virgatum cultivars.
...............Available in 1-Quart and IMPACT container.

Pennisetum alopecuroides ’Hameln’
Dwarf Fountain Grass (Zone 5-6)
‘Hameln' is an excellent choice in smaller gardens as the plants only grow 18-24" tall and have a similar spread. Like the species, it should be planted early enough to get established before going dormant and be provided with good winter drainage. The seed heads are whitish when they appear in Mid-season.
...............Available in IMPACT container only.

Pennisetum alopecuroides ’Little Bunny’
Miniature Fountain Grass (Zone 5-6)
This is a dwarf Fountain Grass selection that is best suited for the rock garden. It grows to only 10" tall and is nice when combined with Sedum ‘Autumn Joy' and Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’. Winter drainage and early plantings are a must to overwinter this plant consistently in zone 5.
...............Available in IMPACT container only.

Pennisetum setaceum ’Rubrum’
Purple Fountain Grass (Zone 8-10)
This plant has a gorgeous deep purple-red color. It is an excellent plant for the border, but is hardy only to Zone 8 so it should be treated as an annual. Another great use for this plant is in containers. It can add height and a splash of color to any size pot. The color lasts on into early winter and the flowers, reddish-brown arching plumes, look great all year long. This plant can grow to 4' and prefers well-drained soils. Best treated as an annual.
...............Available in 1-Quart only.

Phalaris arundinacea ‘Strawberries and Cream’
Ribbon Grass (Zone 4)
This green and white variegated ribbon grass is similar to 'Picta', but has pink tones appearing on the new growth. Vigorous plants reach 3’ tall.
..............Available in 1-Quart only.

Schizachyrium scoparium ’The Blues’
Little Blue Stem (Zone 3)
An outstanding selection of the U.S. prairie native Little Bluestem! Every wild garden should have this true blue selection that is tolerant of summer heat and humidity and then has a great red fall color. This clump forming selection grows to 36" tall when planted in full sun and average garden soil. An excellent choice that should be used in mass to be fully enjoyed!
..............Not available for 2011.

Sporobolus heterolepis
Prairie Dropseed (Zone 3)
This native prairie grass is considered by some plant experts to be one of the finest grasses available. Its narrow, medium green, fine textured foliage has a tufted, clumping habit that particularly lends itself well to groupings and mass plantings in the landscape. The foliage grows to 24", while the beautiful, airy, cloud-like flowers shoot up to 3 ½’. The flowers are held well above the foliage, making them very visible and attractive in the garden. They begin to plume in August and persist into winter adding valuable texture to the winter landscape. Probably one of the most striking features of this native beauty is the vibrant orange-red fall color. This plant will visually set the landscape on fire with its unique autumnal hues. This is a tough, underused plant that adds many valuable uses in the landscape.
...............Available in 1-Quart only.