This was my first year for this grass the Pennisetum Mountain Ruby Grass, and I tell ya it was such a dramatic ornamental showoff in the garden and also in containers.

One thing I really noticed was it’s ability to catch my eye every time I walked outdoors.

With it’s erect arching tall habit and it’s green colored blades and pinkish- purple plumes I was loving the beauty it brought to the gardens. Plumes from summer to fall and leave for winter interest if you can.

I watched this grass as the wind blew and as the sun shined on it’s plumes I was very pleased how it made such a statement in the garden.

Mountain Ruby Grass can handle hot conditions we were extremely warm this season and it did fine, and can grow in full sun conditions.

Do not mistake this grass for other ruby grasses, it is easily recognized as another species.

My thoughts are look for this grass next season, you will absolutely love it.

Pennisetum Mountain Ruby Grass is a taller grass reaching heights 30-48 inches.

Grows as a annual in most cases except in zones 9-11 , Hardy to 30 degree weather,  but that didn’t stop me I love all types of ornamental grasses being annual or perennial.

So plant as a landscape grass or as a thriller in containers. You will adore this one!

Miscanthus sinensis Gracillimus Maiden Grass

Oh the winter months are here and I try and find comfort and beauty wherever I can , because not only are our winters in Iowa long, they can be really frustrating when the transition comes from late Winter to early Spring.

As I walk outside on a cold blustery day after a fresh snow or fresh frosted day which  fills my surroundings , I am always trying to find something  positive  to see and or hear.

One thing I can not overlook or ignore is the ornamental grasses that I leave stand throughout the winter months.

Panicum virgatum Shenandoah Grass

Depending on your area and how you want your ornamental grass to show in the winter months is really a matter of preference I believe. I see many cut them down in the fall, and have talked with many others that love to leave them for winter interest.

With our snow, frost, or ice weather  in the winter time, each can bring on it’s very own beauty.

A beauty I have come to love, not so much years ago however,  as I dreaded the winter, but now as I grow older I really appreciate the changing of the seasons.

Besides winter interest of the ornamental grasses,  they also can bring shelter to birds and other animals roaming in your area.  Plus possibly a food source too!

Schizachyrium scoparium ‘The Blues’ Grass

Miscanthus Zebra Grass

The photos were taken  just after a few nights of frost. You can see that every strand of grass and every plume gets covered making for a wonderful showing outdoors .

One thing I really loved and noticed  , was on a sunny day, the snow and frost on the grasses just glistens and shines.  

Those of you that live in long  snowy winter’s.   Look closely at the photos ,  I hope you can see winter’s beauty, and can appreciate what we have around us that does get taken for granted.

This article is also featured in HortMag.com which I am fully honored to be a part of , a big  Thank You to Anna Looper who writes  for HortMag.com. You can find her in many places but here is her Website FlowerGardenGirl.com

I hope this may have inspired you to add ornamental grasses to your gardens. Grasses being pretty carefree once established makes for a must have plant.

Happy Gardening,

Diane Mumm

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Miscanthus Silberpfeil Japanese  Silver Arrow

As the years go by and more and more plants go into the ground I find myself losing track of names of  (for example) varieties of the many ornamental  grasses.  So many are looking alike nowadays.

So marking your plants with metal tag stakes  when planted is so important,  at least to me . The one in the photo was a grass I had to research because I received a few that were very similiar in appearance, but feel I do have the correct identification .

I am a huge lover of ornamental grasses, and have several different hardy grasses for my area now.  Over  the years I have become pretty attached and delighted  to see them thriving in my perennial areas. This one particular species is one I hope everyone can enjoy.

Why are grasses so popular today in the landscapes of many homes today. It is pretty simple I believe. Grasses  add so much interest  to your landscape, many hours of viewing pleasure ,grasses give you  interest throughout the seasons and  they are relatively easy to grow and care for.

One of my favorite grasses is the Miscanthus Silberpfeil Japanese  Silver Arrow. I honestly love many Miscanthus species because they grow really well in my zone 5 area.

When you can have a grass that has wide variegated blades and arching habit , with pinkish blooms in the fall , why would you every complain!

Growing height can vary depending on where you plant this beautiful gem, but I had mine in a full sun area and it grew 5-6ft tall I would say with plumage. 

Can be grown in sun to partial shaded area with average soil conditions, well drained is always best. Clump forming and not overly aggressive spread in my area.

Ornamental grasses are fairly easy to grow once established.  Years and years of beauty will surround you, when the wind blows you will not only see the beauty but you will also hear as the grass blades  are whisping and moving in the wind. Very calming and peaceful!

This photo was taken this fall 2010 , but I planted this grass here just a couple years back and it has grown quite nicely in size. Looks like division will be possible this Spring .

I love to leave my grasses stand each winter season, which adds plenty of interest when the weather is cold and snowy. Usually a nice tan in color dusted with light snow makes for a beautiful photo.

When spring arrives cut back to around 6 inches, then make divisions if you feel the plant is large enough.

I have seen conflicting hardy zone areas for this ornamental grass , but since I am in zone 5 , zone 5-9 should work fine.

In this video I am giving you a closeup view , and talking about this beautiful Miscanthus grass.

My advice is if you like the look of ornamental grasses,  get a growing  them , but make sure you know and have researched  the variety for your general zone area.

Check out more of my grasses Here

Happy Gardening

Diane Mumm

Miscanthus sinensis Gracillimus Maiden Grass

Gracillimus has thin bladed leaves and a elegant upright form with narrow , silver-veined foliage.  It has a pleasing symmetrical vase shape form, long stems produce fan-like , reddish colored plumes held high above the leaves appear in the fall. As the season moves on the flower plumes will turn silvery white , and the foliage becomes auburn-gold after the first frost.

This grass maintains its upright shape until the winter months, best to leave grass stand on winter has it does add interest and provides great shelter for birds and other wildlife. If necessary you can cut back for a neater look but not usually needed.

Maiden grass likes a full sun area, like many grasses , low maintenence , easy care culture.

Use as a specimen plant or in larger group grasses.

Miscanthus sinensis Gracillimus Maiden Grass is a warm season grass making it ideal for warmer climate areas.

Grows 6ft, 7ft with plume, plumes in Sept or Oct.

Hardy in zones 5-9

Grass like King Tut has been one of the most interesting plants for  pots , landscapes and water ponds. Not a grass at all but grass like in appearance.

King Tut is an evergreen or neutral grass. King Tut is also known as Giant Umbrella Plant, Egyptian Grass, and Cyperus papyrus.

It is a very fast grower and will quickly grow to impressive size, hence the name King

top two photos courtesy of proven winners
Features:
Large heads of pendulous leaves; greenish flower spikelets can measure 1′ across

• Best Seller
• Deadheading Not Necessary
• Foliage Interest
• Grass
• Heat Tolerant
• Landscape Plant
• Low Maintenance
• Water Plant

So  How to grow the King Tut Grass ?

Grows 48-72 inches tall, has a upright habit.

Grow as a annual except for Zones 10-11 , and is hardy to  35 degrees.

Likes a sun to part sun area, and normal to wet conditions.

Use as a Thriller in a pot , either in the middle or to the back of the pot . Makes a great centerpiece and will definitely make a conversation piece.

Especially loved the king tut grass near my pond area, also placed one in a pot , then submerged the pot in the water on the shelf in my pond .

This plant is a show stopper , grows fast and is uniquely different.

For the spring of 2010 I had the baby tut and really thought it was nice, for the year 2011 I will have the king tut if everything goes well..

In the spring of 2011 I did grow the umbrella Egyptian King tun  grass . Seemed easy to care for in the greenhouse and was very easy to grow outdoors provided some good moisture.

Let me know what you think of this unique show stopper grass like king tut..

Happy Gardening

Pennisetum Ruby Mountain Grass

Beautiful tall green grass ,  with ruby-pink plumes makes this ornamental grass a beauty.

Ornamental grasses are usually easy maintenance free plants once established .

The beauty lies in the plumes that gracefully move in the wind. 

Features

• Deadheading Not Necessary
• Fall Interest
• Low Maintenance

Pennisetum Ruby Mountain Grass grows 30-48 inches tall and is considered a thriller plant making it perfect for vocal points in pots and landscapes.

Grows as an annual except for zones 9-11, hardy to 30 degrees, and likes to be planted in full sun area.

Use in landscapes and large containers . Usually plant in middle or back of pots to add height and interest.

A spectacular show this ornamental grass will bring to your landscape or pots.

Make sure you look for this one in Spring 2011.

Happy Gardening

Photos courtesy of  provenwinners.com

Love this grass, place a comment below , would love to hear your thoughts..

Pennisetum Variegated Red Fountain Grass Fireworks

At last My plant Testimony 2011: Well after growing this grass all summer into the fall I am happy to report I am in love with this new fireworks grass .

It is just like the photo it grows great in container gardening as a thriller plant. It tolerates heat and should I say drastic heat conditions for extended period of time here in Iowa.

This grass has such a intense color variation , you will love it!

In this video I will show you the fireworks plant live  living in my containers and also in the ground.

In  this photo I am showing the fireworks grass with the rubrum purple fountain grass.  Can you tell there is two different thrillers?

Ornamentals grasses is something everyone should add to their landscape, because of the easy care and neglect most can handle through the season.

Features

• Deadheading Not Necessary
• Foliage Interest
• Grass
• Landscape Plant
• Low Maintenance
• New

Multicolored foliage and pink plumes, sounds like a great combination of color.

Grows 24-30 inches tall

Thriller – Used either in the back or middle of a container. Usually a taller item that adds height and drama to the container.

Treat as a annual except for zones 9-11, as Hardiness is to 25 degrees. Likes a sun location as most grasses prefer.

Plant this beautiful ornamental grass in Landscapes, containers and Great in beds, along walkways, and on patios.

This fireworks grass will be new for 2011, really can’t wait to see it perform and grow.

Write your comments below , what you think , thoughts and opinions would love to hear from you.

Be Happy

  Agrostis nebulosa Cloud Grass

Cloud grass is a light, airy grass whose star-shaped panicles produce cloud effects.

Can be used in fresh or dried arrangements.

Plant in rows for cutting or in decorative groups.

Cloud Grass is drough tolerant. Suitable for xeriscaping.

Plant in full sun, grows 12-18 inches tall.

Did not find any zone recommendations.. so  treating as a annual at least for my zone.

To be honest I have never seen this grass,  may look similar to some other grasses but I found the seed and started some. Definitely will keep you updated on it’s performance.

Happy Gardening

Diane Mumm

                            Bunny Tails Lagurus Ovatus

This is a Charming looking grass . What a Beauty!

An elegant fountain of ornamental grass with lots of landscape possibilities.

Graceful at the front of the house, or plant among flowers for an informal look.

Fluffy seed heads add texture and visual appeal.

Beginning in early summer, it’s topped by chartreuse puffballs, about 2½ inches wide, They are soft, fluffy, and absolutely irresistible to touch — a big child-pleaser and a nice edging for a pathway.

As summer turns to fall, the bunny tails turn to rich tan and dry out beautifully on the plant. You can leave them there  they make spectacular winter accents, lasting until they catch the first heavy snowfall (or all season in mild climates).

Bunny Tails is a pleasure to grow, too, because it favors sandy soils that many other plants shun, and once it gets its roots established, it’s quite drought-tolerant.

Collect them for use  in a dried flower arrangements and crafts.

Grow in a sunny area conditions.

Bunny Tails reaches a height of 16 inches , that is with plume . It has a clumping habit.

Grown mostly as annual except Zones 8b-10a

My thoughts : I picked up a packet of seed and started this one , and the germination is outstanding. I am excited to see this grass when mature.

Happy Gardening

Diane Mumm

Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’ -Upright Switchgrass

A dependable upright habit and beautiful blue green foliage set this Panicum apart from other switchgrasses.

Northwind likes  drought tolerant conditions , but  it can also handle boggy soil conditions occassionally.

Beginning in August, a multitude of narrow, open panicles top the plant. One ’Northwind’ in a garden creates a stunning vertical accent, while several planted as a backdrop form a dynamic structural look.

Upright Switchgrass was introduced by Northwind Perennial Farm of Wisconsin, and it has since become a very popular Panicum cultivar.

Northwind grows 4 feet, 5 feet in flower,  likes sun and wet-dry soil conditions.

Plume flowers  in September

Hardy in Zones 4-9

Origin: North America

Happy Gardening

Diane Mumm

Juncus effusus ‘Unicorn’ – Spiralis Rush

When compared to other curly rushes, Juncus effusus ‘Unicorn’ is more substantial in every way. It is deeper green and has more twirls; it is more vigorous, taller, and easier to grow.

It is a fun, interesting rush that is great to use around the borders of larger ponds or in gardens with average soil, where it will surely attract plenty of attention and elicit wide grins.

Juncus Spiral Rush’s corkscrew-like foliage is highly valued in flower arrangements.

Juncus effusus ‘Unicorn’ is a selection of the University of British Columbia Botanical Garden. It was collected from the province of BC and was planted in the UBC Native Garden by Al Rose.

Juncus Rush is a  warm season rush with dark green foliage.

Grows 10-12 inches tall likes a  sun-part shade and wet-average  soil conditions..

More info:

This soft rush will perform surprisingly well in average garden soils as long as they receive consistent irrigation. Clumps are often slow to establish, but once established will spread by creeping rhizomes. Soft rush may be grown in tubs or containers sunk in the mud to control unwanted rhizome spread. Plants will also naturalize by self-seeding. In cold climates, clumps die to the ground in winter. Cut back old foliage in early spring

Hardy in  Zones 5-9

Origin: North America

Juncus Unicorn Rush is a very interesting plant , and I think it will be a conversation piece at the greenhouse .

Happy Gardening

Diane Mumm

Acorus gramineus ‘Ogon’-Golden Variegated Sweet Flag

Similar in size and growth habit to Variegated Sweet Flag, but has beautiful golden-colored leaves with green stripes. Brightens shade gardens and moist, sunny areas.

Acorus is a neutral grass. Evergreen or neutral grasses are usually plants that look like grasses but aren’t actually classified as grasses, they are generally called grass-like plants.

Features
Butter-yellow sword-like blades add wonderful contrast all season; likes moisture

Perfect for containers, borders and beds

QUICK FACTS: Warm season, gold-variegated foliage

Grows to 15 inches, Plant in  shade-sun area and it likes  wet conditions.

Hardy Zones 5-10

Origin: Japan, China

This was a new grass-like plant I carried last season 2009 and I really thought it was quite unusual , mostly by the way it seem to lay.. It may a great backdrop to pots and added such color to containers.

Happy Gardening

Diane Mumm

        Isolepis cernua -Fiber Optic Grass

This is a cool looking grass I will finally carry this year 2010, however it has been around for a few years . It is a annual in our area zone 4/5 .

A full-sized Fiber Optic Grass is the highlight of any garden.

 It has an abundance of bright green, long, narrow stems. Each stem ends with a soft tan yellow tip, making it look as though the plant is surrounded by thousands of tiny sparks.

 Grows in a symmetrical, pendulous tuft.

Always looks great in a container or plant it in a protected area in a spot that allows the stems to spill over.

Evergreen in zones 8-10; it should be treated as an annual elsewhere.

Fiber Optic Grass is a  Warm season grass with bright green foliage

Grows to  1 foot, 1 foot with flower, likes sun-part shade area and  moist-average soil conditions

Hardy in Zones 8-10

Origin: British Isles, Europe, North Africa

I am excited to see this grass perform this season.

Happy Gardening

Diane Mumm

 Calamagrostis xacutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ -Feather Reed Grass

This grass is highly used for  gardening landscape areas.

This cool season clumping grass is one of our all-time favorites.

With an erect growth habit and late spring plumes, ‘Karl’ offers a good backdrop for low growing flowering perennials throughout the year.

Prefers sunny, dry locations and can tolerate heavy clay-based soil. A good screen plant that does not re-seed.

It is the first ornamental grass to receive the Perennial Plant of the Year Award (2001).

Karl Foerster is a Cool season grass with  green foliage.

Grows to 2 feet, 6 feet with flower,  and likes sun,  and dry conditions.

Plume  flowers  in May

Hardy in  Zones 4-7

 Origin: Europe

Very nice erect grass, and does not invade , or spread , stays in a nice clump grass , and is one of  the most popular on the market today.

Happy Gardening

Diane Mumm

Andropogon gerardii ‘Lord Snowden’s Big Blue’
Lord Snowden Big Bluestem

Marvelous color and appealing shape are the first features one notices about Lord Snowden Big Bluestem.

Beautiful blue stems rise up four feet in a form that is more graceful than others in the Andropogon genus.

This native cultivar demonstrates extreme drought tolerance; it must be planted in dry, sunny spots where it will thrive on neglect. Watering or fertilizing too much will result in a less robust, very unhappy Lord Snowden, causing it to flop. Generally vigorous, this is a fast growing, strong plant that can be used in meadows, gardens, difficult areas and in masses.

Typical Andropogon gerardii seed heads emerge in summer to complete the look.

Lord Snowden is a  Warm season grass with blue foliage.

Grows to the height of  4 feet, 6 feet with flower, sun, dry conditions.

Plume flowers  in July-August

Hardy in Zones 4-10

 Origin: North America

Happy Gardening

Diane Mumm

    Miscanthus ‘Purpurascens’ -Flame Grass

It is called Flame Grass because its foliage turns vivid reddish orange in the fall.

An erect clumping grass. In early fall, its magenta blooms turn white.

Flame Grass is beautiful in the smaller garden. Plant as a specimen or in small groups.

I am pretty impressed with it’s fall color orange to yellow blades ,  here in Iowa , Simply Beautiful Grass!

Flame Grass is a  warm season grass with  green foliage, doesn’t seem over invasive in my area.

Grows to  3 feet, 4 feet with flower, sun, dry, Plume  flowers  In July

Photo showing Fall color

Hardy in  Zones 5-9

 Origin: Japanese seedling

This grass does come back very well in zone 4/5 , and what I most remember about this grass is it’s fall color.. Outstanding!

Happy Gardening

Diane Mumm

   Leymus arenarius ‘Blue Dune’-Blue Lyme Grass

This is a beautiful blue colored grass, but take note it will spread and it requires some room for growth.

This bright-blue cool season grass maintains its coloring throughout the growing season, even in Southern gardens.

It is native to western Europe where it can be found in sand dunes as well as in rich soil.

 Blue Lyme Grass spreads by rhizomes, so it can be used as a tall ground cover, on hillsides and for controlling soil erosion.

In May, straw-colored seed heads appear on stalks 8-12 inches above the foliage.

Blue Lyme Grass prefers dry, sunny to part sunny  locations.

It is a  Cool season grass with  bright blue foliage.

Grows to a height of  2 feet, 3 feet with flower,  Plant in sun to part sun area .

Plume flowers in  May

Hardy to  Zones 4-9

Origin: Britain, Europe

If you are looking for a grass that spreads , this is your grass and it  adds nice interest as it’s coloring has  a great feature  , adding contrast amongst other plants.

Happy Gardening

Diane Mumm

     Phalaris arundinacea ‘Picta’ -Ribbon Grass

Ribbon Grass is a love or hate grass.. I say this because that is a true statement.. I have customers that love it because of the way it spreads and I have customers that thought to themselves  oh my god why did I plant this .. hehe.  Whatever it may be, it is a great grass you just have to put it in the right place to let it spread with no boundaries set.

Ribbon Grass is Tough and undemanding, and will solve most erosion problems.

This amazing plant spreads quickly by rhizomes, and forms a dense mass that even the most persistent weeds find difficult to penetrate.

 It is a great plant to use when an expansive, spreading ground cover is required.

Ribbon Grass is sometimes called Gardener’s Garters, referring to the long, flat, wide variegated green and white striped leaves. It is one of the first plants that comes up in the spring, beautiful as it spikes out of the ground.

 A cool season grower, this plant should be cut back in the summer to produce fresh variegation. It prefers wet areas and can be submerged in shallow water.

Features: Ribbon Grass like the  Cool season and  it has beautiful variegated foliage.

Grows to  3 feet, 3.5 feet with bloom, and likes average-wet soil.

Plant in sun-part shade area and  flowers in  June.

Extremely Hardy in  Zones 4-8

Origin: North America, Europe

You decide if this grass if for you.. like I said give it room and let it go..

Happy Gardening

Diane Mumm

Sporobolus heterolepis
Prairie Dropseed

Prairie Dropseed was one of the major components of the Midwestern prairie, and it is now a popular landscape plant — with good reason.

 It is perhaps the most ornamental of the native prairie grasses.

It grows in a clumping shape with deep green narrow leaves that arch downward.

In July it sends up numerous stalks with delicate, open panicles that shoot up over the clump.

In fall, the foliage turns a beautiful coppery orange color that later fades to cream.

Prairie Dropseed emits an unmistakable aroma that some say resembles a cross between cilantro and fresh-roasted nuts.

Easy, beautiful and hardy to a wide range of zones, its flowing look is a great choice for borders or mass plantings.

Prairie Dropseed is a warm season  grass with  green foliage .

Grows to a nice height of 2 feet, 3 feet with flower,  grow in sun,  and will tolerant  dry conditions.

Like to plume  flowers in  July

Hardy in  Zones 4-9

Origin: North America

This is a nice stout clumping grass and really doesn’t seem to need much care.  I have not noticed the aroma this grass gives off so this year I will be paying closer attention. I guess too many things going on in my gardening areas, just have to take time to smell the aroma.

Happy Gardening

Diane Mumm

Panicum virgatum ‘Hänse Herms’
Red Switchgrass

Green in the summer, this two-foot cultivar turns a magnificent red in the fall, especially in Northern gardens.

Good for mass plantings. Very drought tolerant.

Hanse Harms is a  warm season grass , with  green foliage

Grows to a height of  2 feet, 2.5 feet with flower, sun, dry,

Plume flowers in July, beautiful airy plumes .

Likes  Zones 4-10

Origin: North America, Central America

This is a nice grass if you are looking for a grass that spreads nicely.. Give it sun to bring out the redness in late summer into fall.

Happy Gardening

Diane Mumm