you are here: grasses reference guide
 

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Below you will find a wide variety of grasses that we generally carry. Should you need something that is not listed below, please call us for availability  (614) 891-9348 or 1-800-340-9348.

To view our current availability, click here

 

Acorus
Japanese Sweet Flag

 

 

Acorus gramineus 'Variegatus'
Japanese Sweet Flag

Height: 12"
Spread: 4-6"
Zone: 5
Foliage: variegated
Bloom Months: insignificant
Flowers: insignificant
Light Requirements: sun, part shade

Fine textured foliage, striped green and white.

4021

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Calamagrostis
Feather Reed Grass

 

 

 

Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Avalanche'
Avalanche Feather Reed Grass

Calamagrostis Avalanche - Avalanche Feather Reed Grass

Height: 4-5'
Spread: 3-4'
Zone: 5
Foliage: green, white
Bloom Months: 6-7
Flowers: golden panicle
Light Requirements: sun, part shade

A variegated form of Calamagrostis 'Karl Forester'.  This variety
has an upright form with green and white striped foliage.

5026

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Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Forester'
Karl Forester Feather Reed Grass

Calamagrostis Karl Foerster - Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass

Height: 4-5'
Spread: 3-4'
Zone: 4
Foliage: green
Bloom Months: 7-8
Flowers: golden panicle
Light Requirements: sun, part shade

Upright grass with gold plumes in June.

4131

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Calamagrostis arundinacae 'Overdam'
Overdam Feather Reed Grass

Calamagrostis Overdam - Overdam Feather Reed Grass

Height: 3'
Spread: 2-3'
Zone: 5
Foliage: variegated
Bloom Months: 7-8
Flowers: golden panicle
Light Requirement: sun part shade Striped reed grass with golden plumes in June. 4130

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Carex
Sedge

 

Carex buchanii Red Rooster (annual)

Carex Buchanii Red Rooster

801094

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Carex glauca 'Blue Zinger'
Blue Zinger Variegated Sedge

No image at this time

Height: 12-15"
Spread: 24"
Zone: 4
Foliage: blue
Bloom Months: 8-9
Flower: plumes
Light Requirements: full sun, part shade

Narrow, grey-blue foliage with an arching habit.
Great for rock gardens or borders.

4152

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Carex morrowii 'Evergold'
Evergold Variegated Sedge

Carex morrowii Evergold - Evergold Variegated Sedge

Height:  12"
Spread: 18"
Zone: 5
Foliage:  yellow/green
Bloom Months: N/A
Flower: insignificant
Light Requirements: shade, part shade

Pendulous leaves with creamy yellow centers.
Semi-evergreen.  A nice short sedge for shady areas.
Has a weeping habit.

4142

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Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance'
Ice Dance Variegated Sedge

Carex morrowii Ice Dance - Ice Dance Variegated Sedge

Height: 12"
Spread: 24"
Zone: 5
Foliage: variegated
Bloom Months: ***
Flower: red
Light Requirements: sun, part shade

A very clean-looking appearance with dark green leaves edged in white.
More vigorous than C. Variegata. Makes an excellent ground cover.

4141

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Carex muskingumensis 'Little Midge'
Little Midge Sedge

Carex Little Midge

Height: 12"
Spread: 24"
Zone: 5
Foliage: bright green
Bloom Months: ***
Flower: ***
Light Requirements: shade or part shade

Bright green, finely textured bamboo-type foliage.
Excellent in wet areas. Grows 12" tall in shade or part shade.

4280

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Carex muskingumensis Oehme' Oehme Sedge

Carex Oehme

Height: 18"
Spread: 24"
Zone: 5
Foliage: green w/subtle yellow variegation
Bloom Months: ***
Flower: ***
Light Requirements: shade or part shade

Green, bamboo-type foliage with a subtle yellow varietation
Grows well in moist soil in shade or partial sun.

5718

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Elymus
Blue Lyme Grass

 

Elymus glaucus
Blue Lyme Rye

No image at this time

Height: 24-30"
Spread: 18-24"
Zone: 4
Foliage: blue
Bloom Months: 9-10
Flowers: wheat-like
Light Requirement: full sun

Deep glaucus blue, coarse textured grass. Spreads quickly.

4322

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Elymus glaucus 'Blue Dune'
Blue Wild Rye

Elymus glaucus Blue Dune - Blue Dune Wild Rye

Height: 30
Spread: 36"
Zone: 4
Foliage: blue
Bloom Months: 9-10
Flower: wheat-like
Light Requirements: full sun

Very bright blue foliage and heat tolerance make this one a winner.

5690

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Erianthus
Plume Grass

 

 

Erianthus ravennae
Hardy Plume Grass
(aka Hardy Pampas Grass, Ravenna Grass, or Mvenra Grass)

Height: 10-12'
Spread: 3-4'
Zone: 5
Foliage: green
Bloom Months: 9-10
Flowers: tan plume
Light Requirement: full sun

Hardy alternative to Pampas Grass.
Beige plumes 10-12' tall foliage over 3-4' tall in late summer.

4326

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Festuca

 

 

Festuca ovina glauca 'Elijah Blue'
'Elijah Blue' Fescue


(enlarged image)

Height: 12"
Spread: 18-24"
Zone: 4
Foliage: blue
Bloom Months: ***
Flowers: insignificant
Light Requirement: full sun

The best blue of the Blue Fescues and most heat tolerant.

4330

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Hackonechloa
(HAKON-EE-KLOA)

 

 

Hakonechloa macro 'Naomi'

Hakonechloa macro 'Naomi'

Height: 16"
Spread: 24"
Zone: 5
Foliage: reddish-purple
Bloom Months: ***
Flower: drooping panicle
Light Requirements: shade or part shade

Similar to Hakonechloa aureola, except the green and yellow
striped leaves turn a reddish purple color in the fall. It will
grow 16 inches in shade or part shade.

4560

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Hakonechloa macro 'Nicholas'

Hakonechloa mac. 'Nicholas'

Height: 16"
Spread: 24"
Zone: 5
Foliage: orange and red in fall
Bloom Months: ***
Flower: drooping panicle
Light Requirements: shade or part shade

Solid green leaves turn orange and red in the fall.
Grows 16" tall in shade or part shade.

4046

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Helictotrichon
Oat Grass (or Ornamental Oats)

 

 

Helictotrichon sempervirens
Evergreen Oat Grass

Height: 24"
Spread: 24-30"
Zone: 4
Foliage: blue
Bloom Months: ***
Flowers: drooping panicle
Light Requirement: full sun

Stiff, upright blue leaves. Similar to Blue Fescues, but larger.
Requires full sun and a well drained soil.

4361

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Helictotrichon sempervirens
'Sapphire' Evergreen Oat Grass

Helictotrichon Sapphire - Sapphire Evergreen Oat Grass

Height: 24"
Spread: 24"
Zone: 4
Foliage: blue
Bloom Months: ***
Flower: drooping panicle
Light Requirements: full sun

Similar to H. sempervirens, but the foliage is broader and a brighter blue.

4500

 

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Imperata
Japanese Blood Grass

Imperata cylindrica rubra 'Red Baron'
Red Baron Japanese Blood Grass

Imperata cylindrica rubra 'Red Baron' - Red Baron Japanese Blood Grass

Height: 12-18"
Spread: 24-30"
Zone: 5
Foliage: red
Bloom Months:***
Flowers: insignificant
Light Requirement: part shade

Green leaves with red tips, very showy. Prefers light shade,
but will tolerate sun. Requires good drainage.

4952

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Liriope
Lily-turf

 

 

 

Liriope muscari 'Big Blue'
Big Blue Lily-turf

Liriope muscari 'Big Blue' - Big Blue Lily-turf

Height: 18"
Spread: 18-24"
Zone: 5
Foliage: green
Bloom Months: 7-8
Flowers: dark violet
Light Requirement: part shade or shade

Dark green grass-like, evergreen foliage. Dark violet blooms that resemble
grape hyacinths. Excellent for groundcover or borders.

5119

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Liriope muscari 'Silvery Sunproof'
Silver Sunproof Variegated Lily-turf

Liriope muscari 'Sunproof' - Silver Sunproof Variegated Lily-turf

Height: 15"
Spread: 18-24"
Zone: 5
Foliage: variegated green/yellow
Bloom Months: 7-8
Flowers: violet
Light Requirement: part shade or shade

Green and yellow variegated with violet blooms.
Good for borders or groundcover.

5117

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Miscanthus
Maiden Grass (or Silver Grass)

 

 

Miscanthus sinensis 'Adagio'
Adagio Maiden Grass

Miscanthus sin. Adagia
photo courtesy of Walters Gardens)

Height: 2-4'
Spread: 3-4'
Zone: 5
Foliage: green
Bloom Months: 9-10
Flowers: plumes
Light Requirement: full sun

Best dwarf Miscanthus. Narrow green foliage, 4' plumes tinged pink.

5601

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Miscanthus sinensis  'Arabesque'
Arabesque Maiden Grass

Miscanthus sin. Arabesque

Height: 3-4'
Spread: 2-3'
Zone: 4
Foliage: green
Bloom Months: 9-10
Flower: plumes
Light Requirements: full sun

Narrow, green leaf with a silver midrib. Spectacular fluffy plumes in the fall.

5612

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Miscanthus sinensis 'Cabaret'
Cabaret Japanese Silver Grass

Miscanthus sin. Cabaret

Height: 6'
Spread: 3'
Zone: 5
Foliage: green/white
Bloom Months: 9-10
Flowers: plumes
Light Requirement: full sun

Wide green leaf with white center. Coppery plumes fade to pink.
Very distinctive in the landscape.

5137

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Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus'
Gracillimus Maiden Grass

Height: 6-8'
Spread: 3-4'
Zone: 5
Foliage: green
Bloom Months: 7-8
Flowers: silver to bronze-red
Light Requirement: full sun

Narrow green leaves. Silvery plumes mid-late summer turn bronze-red in fall.

5139

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Miscanthus sinensis
'Grosse Fountaine' Maiden Grass

Miscanthus sin. Grosse Fontaine

Height: 6-7'
Spread: 30"
Zone: 5
Foliage: green
Bloom Months: 8-9
Flowers: cream
Light Requirement: full sun

Upright growing grass with large plumes
in late summer.

5496

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Miscanthus sinensis 'Huron Sunrise'
Huron Sunrise Maiden Grass

Miscanthus sinensis 'Huron Sunrise' - Huron Sunrise Maiden Grass Miscanthus sinensis 'Huron Sunrise' - Huron Sunrise Maiden Grass Plumes
(photos courtesy of Walters Gardens)

Height: 5-6'
Spread: 3'
Zone: 5
Bloom Months: 9
Flowers: burgundy
Light Requirements: full sun

Blooms profusely with burgundy plumes in early fall.

5876

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Miscanthus sinensis
Miscanthus 'Little Kitten' Maiden Grass

Miscanthus sin. Little Kitten

Height: 2'
Spread: 30"
Zone: 5
Foliage: green
Bloom Months: 8-9
Flowers: light pink
Light Requirement: full sun

A dwarf Miscanthus with narrow green leaves.
Pinkish flowers in August.

4777

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Miscanthus sinensis 'Malepartus'
Malepartus Grass

Miscanthus sin. Malepartus

Height: 5-6'
Spread: 2-3'
Zone: 5
Foliage: green
Bloom Months: 8-9
Flowers: pink plumes
Light Requirement: full sun

Fast-grower with excellent fall color. Pink plumes in late summer.

5480

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Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light'
Silver Variegated Maiden Grass

Miscanthus sin. Morning Light
(photo courtesy of Walters Gardens)

Height: 4-5'
Spread: 2-3'
Zone: 5
Foliage: variegated
Bloom Months: 7-8
Flowers: reddish-brown
Light Requirement: sun

Bright green leaves turn reddish-purple in the fall. Airy panicles late summer.

5141

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Miscanthus sinensis 'Puenktchen'
Little Dot Maiden Grass

Miscanthus sin. Puenktchen

Height: 5'
Spread: 30"
Zone: 5
Foliage: green
Bloom Months: 8-9
Flowers: rose
Light Requirement: sun

Similar to Miscanthus Strictus, but this one has narrower leaves.
Rose-burgundy plumes appear in August.

#5185

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Miscanthus sinensis 'Purpurascens'
Flame Grass

Miscanthus sinensis 'Purpurascens' - Flame Grass

Height: 3-4'
Spread: 2-3'
Zone: 5
Foliage: green, red tips
Bloom Months: 7-8
Flowers: panicle
Light Requirement: sun

Somewhat shorter variety that turns a mauve color in the fall.

5142

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Miscanthus sinensis 'Sarabande'
Sarabande Maiden Grass

Miscanthus sin. Sarabande

Height: 5-6
Spread: 3-4'
Zone: 5
Foliage: green
Bloom Months: 8-9
Flowers: panicle
Light Requirements: sun

A narrow leaved variety of Maiden Grass.
Copper-colored seed heads late summer to early fall.

5611

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Miscanthus sinensis 'Silberfeder'
Silberfeder Maiden Grass

Miscanthus sin. Silberfeder
(photo courtesy of Walters Gardens)

Height: 6-7'
Spread: 36-48"
Zone: 5
Foliage: green
Bloom Months: 9-10
Flowers: panicle
Light Requirement: sun

Wider green leaves with an arching habit.
Large, feathery seed heads rise high above the foliage.
One of the hardiest Miscanthus.

5135

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Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus'
Porcupine Grass

Miscanthus sin. Strictus

Height: 6'
Spread: 3-4'
Zone: 5
Foliage: variegated
Bloom Months: 7-8
Flowers: panicle
Light Requirement: sun

Stiff, upright leaves with horizontal yellow stripes.

5145

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Miscanthus sinensis 'Super Stripe'
Super Stripe Maiden Grass

Miscanthus strictus Super Stripe - Super Stripe Maiden Grass

Height: 2-4'
Spread: 2-3'
Zone: 5
Foliage: variegated
Bloom Months: 7-8
Flowers: plumes
Light Requirement: full sun

A smaller form of 'Strictus' that has wide gold
horizontal bands on the leaves.

5914

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Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus'
Variegated Eulalia Grass

Miscanthus sin. Variegatus

Height: 5-6'
Spread: 3-4'
Zone: 5
Foliage: variegated
Bloom Months: 8-10
Flowers: panicle
Light Requirement: sun

Striking green and white variegation.

5146

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Miscanthus sinensis 'Yaku Jima'
Dwarf Maiden Grass

Miscanthus sin. Yaku Jima

Height: 2-3'
Spread: 2-3'
Zone: 5
Foliage: green
Bloom Month: 8
Flowers: panicle
Light Requirement: sun

Dwarf form looks like a dwarf Gracillimus. Nice fall color.

5147

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Miscanthus sinensis var. purpurascenes 'Autumn Red'
Red Maiden Grass

Miscanthus pur. Autumn Red

Height: 4-5'
Spread: 3'
Zone: 3
Bloom Months: 9-10
Foliage: green
Flowers: panicle
Light Requirements: sun

Wider green leaves in the summer turn brilliant
red-orange in the fall.

5497

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Panicum

 

 

Panicum vigatum 'Heavy Metal'
Heavy Metal Switch Grass

Panicum vigatum 'Heavy Metal' - Heavy Metal Switch Grass

Height: 5'
Spread: 3'
Zone: 2
Foliage: blue-green
Bloom Months: 9-10
Flowers: plumes
Light Requirement: full sun

Upright habit with glaucous blue leaves.
Sprays of delicata seed heads

5241

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Panicum 'Prairie Sky'
Prairie Sky Switch Grass

Panicum Prairie Sky - Prairie Sky Switch Grass

Height: 4'
Spread: 3-4'
Zone: 5
Foliage: blue
Bloom Months: 8-9
Flowers: plumes
Light Requirement: full sun

Blue foliage, strong grower.

5242

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Panicum virgatum 'Rotstrahlbusch'
Rotstrahlbusch Switch Grass

No image at this time

Height: 3-4'
Spread: 2-3'
Zone: 5
Foliage: green
Bloom Months: 8-9
Flowers: plumes
Light Requirement: full sun

Deep red leaf tips deepening in the fall. Reddest of all the red switch grasses.

5410

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Panicum virgatum'Ruby Ribbons'
Ruby Ribbons Switch Grass

Panicum Ruby Ribbons

Height: 4'
Spread: 2-3'
Zone: 5
Foliage: green then red
Bloom Months: 8-9
Flowers: plumes
Light Requirement: full sun

Foliage emerges green, and then develops a wine red coloring in early summer.
Ornamental seed heads provide winter interest.  Grows 4' high with sun.

4424

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Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah'
Shenandoah Switch Grass

Panicum Shenandoah

Height: 4'
Spread: 3-4'
Zone: 2
Foliage: green
Bloom Months: 9-10
Flowers: plumes
Light Requirement: full sun

Red-tipped, deep green foliage turns burgundy-red in the fall.

5524

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Pennisetum Fountain Grass

 

 

 

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Cassain'
Cassain Dwarf Fountain Grass

No image at this time

Height: 3'
Spread: 3'
Zone: 4
Bloom Months: 9-10
Foliage: green
Flowers: bottle brush-like plume
Light Requirement: sun

A fountain grass that gets a little taller than 'Hameln'.
Turns a beautiful golden color in fall.

5521

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Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Foxtrot'
Foxtrot Dwarf Fountain Grass

Pennisetum alopecuroides Foxtrot - Foxtrot Dwarf Fountain Grass

Height: 5-6'
Spread: 3'
Zone: 5
Bloom Months: 9-10
Foliage: green
Flowers: bottle brush-like plume
Light Requirement: sun

Narrow green leaves turn gold in the fall.
Silvery plumes from mid summer to fall.
Grows 5-6' in full sun.

5190

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Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'
Dwarf Fountain Grass

Pennisetum alopecuroides Hameln - Dwarf Fountain Grass

Height: 2'
Spread: 2-3'
Zone: 5
Foliage: green
Bloom Months: 8-10
Flowers: bottle brush-like plume
Light Requirement: sun

Short, compact grass with bright green leaves.
Attractive plumes, August through October.

5256

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Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Little Bunny'
Dwarf Fountain Grass

Pennisetum Little Bunny  -  Dwarf Fountain Grass

Height: 12"
Spread: 2-3'
Zone: 5
Foliage: green
Bloom Months: 8-9
Flowers: plumes
Light Requirement: full sun

Miniature fountain grass.

5257

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Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Moudry'
Black Fountain Grass

Pennisetum Moudry - Black Fountain Grass

Height: 2-3'
Spread: 2-3'
Zone: 5
Foliage: green
Bloom Months: 9-10
Flowers: brown-black plume
Light Requirement: full sun

Stiff, coarse green leaves sport black-tipped flowers September and October.

5258

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Pennisetum alopecuroides 'PennStripe'
PennStripe Grass

No image at this time

Height: 2-3'
Spread: 2-3'
Zone: 5
Foliage: variegated - green/white
Bloom Months: 9-10
Flowers: plumes
Light Requirement: full or part sun

A variegated form of P. 'Hameln', with narrow green and white leaves.
Grows 2-3' high in sun or part shade.

4968

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Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Red Head'
PennStripe Grass

No image at this time

Height: 4'
Spread: 2-3'
Zone: 5
Foliage: variegated - green
Bloom Months: 9-10
Flowers: red plumes
Light Requirement: full or part sun

Large, red plumes on 4' stems mid-late summer.
Narrow green leaves grow to 3' tall in sun.

4465

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Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose'
Karley’s Rose Fountain Grass

Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose' - Karley's Rose Fountain Grass

Height: 3-4'
Spread: 3-4'
Zone: 5
Foliage: green
Bloom Months: 6-10
Flowers: pink plume
Light Requirement: full sun

Narrow silvery-green leaves and pink plumes that start
appearing in June and continue until frost.

5599

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Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'
Annual Red Fountain Grass

Height: 3-4'
Spread: 2'
Zone: 9
Foliage: burgundy
Bloom Months: 6-8
Flowers: purple plume
Light Requirement: full sun

Plant this annual grass in early summer and enjoy its outstanding burgundy
color and attractive plumes until frost. A great accent plant.

5259

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Phalaris Ribbon Grass
(or Reed Canary Grass)

 

 

Phalaris arundinaceae 'Feesey Form'
Strawberries & Cream Ribbon Grass

Phalaris arundinaceae Feesey Form - Strawberries and Cream Ribbon Grass  

Height: 2-3'
Spread: 2-3'
Zone: 4
Foliage: green/white/pink
Bloom Months: 6-7
Flowers: whitish panicle
Light Requirement: sun, part shade

Leaves of green and white, blushed with pink.
A fast grower, will grow in wet soil.

5254

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Phalaris arundinaceae 'Strawberries & Cream'
'Strawberries & Cream' Ribbon Grass

Phalaris Strawberries and Cream - Strawberries and Cream Ribbon Grass

Height: 24"
Spread: 4"
Zone: 4
Foliage: variegated green and white striped
Bloom Months: 6-7
Flowers: whitish panicle
Light Requirement: sun, part shade

Green and white striped leaves, with a hint
of pink in the spring and fall.  Rapid grower to 24"
Full sun to partial shade.

5166

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Phalaris arundinaceae 'Variegata'
Ribbon Grass

Phalaris arundicaceae 'Variegata' - Ribbon Grass

Height: 18"
Spread: 2-3'
Zone: 5
Foliage: variegated
Bloom Months: 6-7
Flowers: whitish panicle
Light Requirement: sun, part shade

Narrow, variegated green and white leaves. Fast growing.

5265