Calamogrostis 'Karl Foerster'

For their sheer architecture alone, ornamental grasses provide 4- seasons of landscape excitement. Within a small garden space three mid-sized (4 – 6 feet tall) ornamental grasses with awesome vertical stature excel. All are highly rated for long garden life and low annual maintenance.

‘Karl Foerster’ Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora ) forms silvery bronze inflorescences (plumes) in mid- summer above its green foliage. The feathery inflorescences start out creamy white with a pinkish tinge. Against brisk winter winds the narrow golden straw plumes stand tall. Seed heads are sterile and not invasive.

‘Morning Light’ Eualia grass (Miscanthus sinensis) has very narrow green leaf blades with a well-defined white midrib line. Pinkish brown plumes appear in mid to late August and stand 12 – 18 inches above the soft textured foliage. Morning Light is not invasive as some Miscanthus species as the seed heads are mostly infertile.

‘Northwind’ Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) exhibits the tightest vertical form of any switchgrass cultivar. Northwind‘s blue-green foliage is wide and its attractive pink to reddish plumes appear in early September. Northwind grows 4 – 5 feet tall and a narrow 2 – 3 feet wide. Plants remain tall and erect throughout the winter. Switchgrass is a North American prairie species.

All three grasses adapt to a variety of soils, sand, silt or clay loam, and prefer an open area in full to partial sun. Once established, they tolerate dry slopes and boggy areas for a short time. All three grasses may be planted as single specimens or group several planted en mass. Medium sized grasses serve as rear accents or backdrops for smaller plants in front. They grow equally well in containers either alone or mixed among other perennials.

Plant them near water gardens or along stream banks and at the edge of a pond. In coastal areas, Panicum and Miscanthus grasses tolerate salt spray. Foliage and flowers of ornamental grasses are effective in fresh and dried flower arrangements.

In early spring lop them back to within 6 – 8 inches above the plant crown. Grasses are best divided as clumps begin signs of life.