Acorus calamus ‘Variegatus’
Long, up to 1 inch wide leaves stand tall to display their striking variegation of bright green and creamy yellow. When crushed, they emit a delicious tangerine scent. This grass is simply stunning and is sure to catch your eye. It is especially beautiful when backlit by the early morning or late afternoon sun.
Sweet Flag gets its name from the sweetly scented essential oil, calamus, which is present in all parts of the plant. This oil has long been used in perfumes and potpourri. It has even been used in the production of gin and beer as a flavor smoother and enhancer.
Native to bogs, shallow ponds, and marshes, this plant will grow in shallow water. It also looks great in tubs, pots, water gardens, and along the pond’s edge. This grass is not invasive. Acorus is not a true grass. It is a member of the genus Araceae, which is the arum or philodendron family.
Origin: Native Cultivar
Calamagrostis brachytricha
If you think all Calamagrostis are like ‘Karl Foerster’, think again! This Asian native is the opposite of its European counterparts: it is a warm season grass that blooms from late summer through early fall.
Perhaps best of all, this grass is shade tolerant, a rare trait for a large flowering grass. This species occurs naturally in moist, deciduous woodlands and therefore is adapted to grow and bloom in partial shade. It also grows very well in full sun where the habit will be tighter and the flowering will be more profuse.
This grass forms an upright arching clump of ½” wide, glossy green leaves that are wider than the acutiflora types.
Late in the season, fluffy bottlebrush plumes are produced within and just above the foliage. They are purplish red when they first open and then age to greenish tan. Be sure to cut a few for dried bouquets as they remain open and feathery even when dried.
Origin: Not Native to North America
Helictotrichon sempervirens
Blue Oat grass looks like a miniature water fountain, with its densely packed leaves gently spraying upward and arching back downward at the tips. This species displays spiky, blue-gray foliage that will draw your attention all season long.
In early summer, small, tan seed heads appear on tall stems held well above the foliage. In mild climates, this grass is evergreen; it is semi-evergreen in colder zones.
Blue Oat Grass adds a wonderful coarse element to rock gardens, coastal gardens, or dry hillsides.
Origin: Not Native to North America
Miscanthus ‘Purpurascens’
One of the very best Miscanthus cultivars available today. Its fantastic fall color, upright habit, early flowering time, and extreme cold hardiness have certainly earned it this recognition.
From early to midseason, the leaves are a pleasant grey-green. In the fall, they turn a brilliant reddish orange, hence the name ‘Flame Grass’. The seed heads begin to appear in late summer with magenta hues. As winter approaches, they transform into silky white panicles which are especially lovely when backlit by the early morning or late afternoon sun.
Miscanthus is versatile from a design standpoint; it can be used as a specimen, for massing or screening, in large containers, or at the pond’s edge. Plant this grass where its wonderful winter interest can be enjoyed.
Origin: Not Native to North America
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 is versatile from a design standpoint; it can be used as a specimen, for massing or screening, in large containers, or at the pond’s edge. Plant this grass where its wonderful winter interest can be enjoyed.
Breeder: Martin Quinn
Origin: Not Native to North America
Panicum amarum ‘Dewey Blue’
Selected by internationally renowned ornamental grass expert Rick Darke for its showy blue color and beautiful fountain-like habit, this grass offers a very long season of interest in the garden.
The glaucous grey-green to grey-blue leaves have an upright arching habit, which makes it a choice focal point or specimen for the center of the border. The height and habit of this plant varies depending on the soil fertility and available moisture. It is more upright and shorter in less fertile, drier soils.
In late summer or early fall (depending on your climate), strong, upright to arching stems are topped by light, airy, blue-tinged flowers followed by tan seed panicles which continue to provide visual interest well into the winter months.
‘Dewey Blue’ was named for a Delaware beach town, Dewey, by Rick Darke.
Panicum amarum is a native grass that is naturally found in the sandy coastal soils from Delaware to Florida and west to northeastern Mexico. It is used extensively to help stabilize sand dunes and thus grows best in dry, sandy soils. This grass is very low maintenance and easy to grow, making it a great choice for busy homeowners or beginning gardeners.
Breeder: Rick Darke
Origin: Native Cultivar
Panicum virgatum ‘Prairie Fire’ PP19367
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. When in bloom, the leaves curl slightly, which gives the impression of red ribbons woven throughout the flowers.
This selection was hybridized by Gary Trucks of Amber Wave Gardens in Michigan.
Switch grass gets its name from the peaceful swishing sound it makes when blowing in the wind. All parts of this grass are very sturdy, and will remain standing thru winter unless snows are heavy. This provides important cover for birds during the coldest days of winter. This grass is very versitile from a design standpoint; it is effective as a specimen, in masses, for screening, alongside ponds or streams, or even in large containers.
Breeder: Gary Trucks
Origin: Native Cultivar