Grasses    2009     (and plants that look like grasses!)    

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Quick List

Click on the Plant Name for Large Photos  (Lots of folks still have dial up so this page only has small photos!)

All Plants on this page are in Trade Quart Pots (Qt.) which are 1.68Pints (794 ml) liquid measure. 

(Similar to a true nursery quart on top width and height, but tapered to a smaller bottom for lighter shipping.)

NOTE:  This page lists both true grasses and, also, grass-like plants such as Acorus and Carex.  The Grass look-alikes are also listed in their proper place alphabetically.  PLEASE NOTE: Warm weather grasses do not start to grow until (surprise) warm weather!  They are not well rooted in in early spring so we delay shipment on them until they are rooted in.  You can order them with the rest of your order, we just keep track of a later shipping day.   

$7.99 Qt.

Acorus gramineus 'Golden Ogon'      Dwarf  Sweet Flag       Z: 5-9           

This 1975 Barry Yinger introduction from Japan makes a glaringly beautiful groundcover with brilliant yellow foliage, exceptionally bright in spring and fall. While the overall effect is bright gold, it actually has a vertical green stripe down the side of each leaf. Makes a fabulous, slowly spreading groundcover, a great pond-side or in the pond plant.   This plant is so useful in so many situations and very, very easy to grow!

Soil: Moist to wet        H: 10-12" W: Slowly Indef.       B/M: Greenish-yellow/ 5-6 

$7.99 Qt.

Acorus gramineus 'Masemune'    Variegated Japanese Sweet Flag,       Z: 5-9         

Brilliantly variegated grasslike foliage. Fine in any moist or well-watered soil, as well as in standing water up to 1" deep.  Takes average soil in shade. Rare, choice. Striped grass-like foliage, half green and half white 1/8 in. wide by 6 in. long. Although similar to the variegated form, it is more compact and shorter. 

Soil: Moist to wet      H: 6"  W: Slowly Indef.     B/M: Tan/ 5-6 

$7.99 Qt.

Acorus gramineus 'Minimus Aureus'     Dwarf Golden Sweet Flag        Z: 6-9           

A super tiny sweet flag.  The name is bigger than the plant!  Perfect tucked in crevices around your pond or between moist stepping stones. Or in a pot with a small fern and tiny Hosta. Golden, spiky foliage held in fan-like arrangements light up a shady spot. Too much sun combined with low moisture will burn foliage. Moist sun is fine. From Eastern Asia. Slowly stoloniferous. 

Soil: Moist to wet   H: 3-4" W: Slowly Indef.       B/M: Tan 5-6 

$7.99 Qt.  

Acorus gramineus 'Variegatus   Variegated Japanese Sweet Flag,       Z: 5-9         

Similar to 'Masemune' but generally taller, sometimes twice as tall to a foot.  Same brilliantly variegated grass-like foliage.    Fine in any moist or well-watered soil, as well as in standing water up to 1" deep.  Takes average soil in shade.  Striped grass-like foliage, half green and half white 1/8 in. wide by 6 in. long.

Soil: Moist to wet      H: 8-10" (12"IB)   W: Slowly Indef.     B/M: Tan/ 5-6 

$7.99 Qt. 

Andropogon virginicus     Broomsedge, Broom Sedge      Zone:  5-8     

A golden, clump forming warm-season Native grass similar to Little Bluestem but with a split inflorescence.  Found in fields and upper shores of ponds all over North American.  Good for  to Xeriscape coastal areas.  Broomsedge turns rusty orange in Fall and remains standing throughout the winter.   Host plant for the Cobweb Skipper Butterfly.

Soil:  Any - wet to dry, acid best    H: 24" W:       B/M: Silver/Fall

Potential Noxious Weed:  Does self seed some so while it is not banned (2008) in any state, it is listed as a noxious weed in the Northeast and South.  Yes, even a Native Plant (in the very area it's native to and that's a Host Plant for Butterflies can self seed and be a nuisance in the wrong place.  What does that mean?  It means in your yard in a controlled neighborhood, it's fine.  If you live near a wild or native area that you can't maintain, monitor and control, then you shouldn't plant this plant.

$7.99 Qt.

Briza media    Quaking Grass     Zone: 4-10  

European perennial grass which forms a dense tuft of finely bristle-margined, blue-green leaves. Erect stems produce open pyramidal panicles of nodding, heart-shaped spikelets -- purple-tinted green at first, later turning straw colored & are arranged like a rattlesnake's tail. Great in dried arrangements. Can be dyed. 12-18" foliage. 

Soil: Well-drained         H: 24-36" W: 12-18"      B/M: See above/  5-7 

$7.99 Qt.

Bromus inermis 'Skinner's Gold'   Smooth Brome Grass    Zone: (2)5-8   

Skinner's Gold is a variegated-leaved cultivar of smooth brome.  This is a cool season, clump-forming ornamental grass which spreads by creeping rhizomes.  The species is much too aggressive in average to moist soils but Skinner's Gold is quite polite and gorgeous!  Blooms stalks appear yellow and the overall appearance in bloom is yellow which is a marvelous color for a grass!  This is one of the most stunning grasses we carry.  Extremely cold hardy - according to one source, zone 2.  If it gets floppy, shear it or mow it!

Soil: Most any         H: 18-24"    W:  18-24"        B/M: Greenish with bronze to purple tints/May to Frost!

What you're saying about us...

"hi! grasses arrived and are happy in their new home. the best packaging i've seen yet in mail order plants. it's obvious that you care about your plants. thanks and i'm sure i'll be ordering from lazy s's again."

pat, Lost Creek, WV 

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$9.99 Qt.

$7.99 Qt.

Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'  (C. arundinacea)   Feather Reed Grass  Zone: 4-9    

2001 Perennial Plant of the Year!  Non-invasive, clumping grass w/ strong vertical habits & tall slender flower plumes. Very adaptable Reed Grass w/ slender deep green leaves & handsome, tall, slender, long-lasting flower plumes. Winter interest. Taller & more tightly upright than 'Overdam'. Cut to the ground in early spring. 18-24" foliage. From Eurasia. 

Soil: Ave, to moist, loamy       H: 48-60" W: 24"      B/M: Pink-bronze/ 8-9 

$9.99 Qt.

Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Overdam'      Variegated Feather Reed Grass   Zone: 4-9  

VERY CHOICE! Compact, silky-sheen form of Feather Reed Grass. 18-24" foliage. Leaves emerge marginated & striped with cream, quickly changing to white highlighted with PINK! Purplish pink tassels gradually lighten to silver pink. Sun OK but PM shade best. Prefers moist soil. Cut to the ground in early spring. From Eurasia. 

Soil: Ave. to moist, humus rich   H: 48" W: 24"    B/M: Purplish pink/ August 

$7.99 Qt.

Calamagrostis brachytricha   Korean Feather Grass   Zone:  4-8     *  

AKA, Calamagrostis arundinacea var. brachytricha  Also sometimes commonly called foxtail grass in reference to the feathery flower/seed plumes.

A clump forming, warm weather grass with bright green leaves reaching 24" and late summer blooms that emerge with a pink tint and reach 36-48".  The blooms fade to cream in Fall.  One of the few flowering grasses that is happy in and actually prefers some shade. Will take full sun with adequate moisture. Superb for cut flowers.  1/2" glossy green leaves.  Clump forming, non-invasive.

Soil: Ave, to moist, loamy       H: 24" (IB:36-48")  W: 24"      B/M: Mauve pink/ 8-9 

Carex aurea    Golden, Elk or Golden Fruited Sedge        Zone 3-9

A Native endangered or threatened in at least 4 states and yet widespread across northern and western N. American - all but the Southeast.  Interesting fruit (really plump perigynia), translucent, juicy looking tiny golden orange balls. Blooms from April thru August.  The top larger spike is male with usually 3-5 females side spikes, pale to reddish brown and wide spreading at maturity.  Nice, tufted light evergreen foliage sets off perfectly the deep golden orange fruit.

Soil: Ave. to moist     H:20"  W:        B/M: Golden/4-8

$7.99 Qt.

Carex buchananii    Leatherleaf Sedge,   Zone: 6-9  

Featured in Horticulture Magazine, February 2006. An unusual plant popular with designers because of its great contrast capabilities. Tufted and erect in growth, the narrow foliage is copper-bronze (or mocha brown!) colored twelve months of the year. A great contrast plant that grows to 2' tall and does best in full sun. Can be cut back hard as older foliage tends to dominate the clump. 

Soil: Moist but well-drained     H: 20-30" W: 15"    B/M: Insignificant 

$7.99 Qt.  

Carex caryophyllea 'The Beatles'    The Beatles Sedge   Zone: 6-9   

A swirling, Mop-headed form of Vernal sedge with fine-textured, medium-green foliage. Moist soil. This quick grower stays in a clump but when placed properly can be used as a non-invasive groundcover.   This is one of our favorite Sedges.  Native to Maine & Mass.   

Soil: Well-drained     H: 6-8" W: 12"   B/M:   Brown/

$7.99 Qt.  

Carex comans 'Frosted Curls'     New Zealand Frosted Curls Sedge      Zone: (6)7-9     

Beautiful, compact, fine textured, weeping foliage grows in swirling clumps.  The frosted blue, slender leaves almost appear iridescent, especially with the slightest breeze, and have ruffled or curly tips.  Drought tolerant once it's established.  Nice in a rock garden, used in mass or along paths. Gorgeous falling over a wall looking like a waterfall. To tidy it up, 'comb' the hair with you fingers to remove older leaves.  Someone called it, "...a symphonic movement in pewter."  Gosh, wish we'd said that!

Soil:  MOIST but well-drained best     H:  12"  W:  14"      B/M:

$7.99 Qt.  

Carex conica 'Marginata' (Hime-kan-suge)   Snowline Sedge   Zone: 5-9  

Tight little clumps of variegated foliage, completely stable. An alpine gem only 6" tall with swirling and arching, white and green, variegated foliage. A beautiful evergreen sedge for the rock garden, container or beside a water feature. Best in part shade, in moist, well-drained soil. Protect from winter wet. AKA, Carex conica 'Variegata 

Soil: Moist but well-drained     H: 6" W: 10-20"      B/M: Brown/ 6-7

$7.99 Qt.

Carex chabertii    Gray Sedge Chabertii    Zone: 5-9  

Interesting vase like habit of flowing fine textured foliage. Forms a large clump very quickly. Interesting seed heads reach out as they flow away from the center of the plant.  But honestly, all you really need to know is this Carex has a wonderful very fine texture and is a great filler plant, knitting other plants together!  Like many Carex, it shouldn't be introduced into a wetland area.  Can be a strong grow in wet areas.

Soil: Most any      H: 8-12" W: Indef.      B/M: Yellow brown 5-6 

$7.99 Qt.  

Carex dolichostachya 'Kaga-nishiki'   Gold Fountain Grass   Zone: 5-9  

Clump forming sedge has slender, elegant leaves w/ a border of gold. Lights up a shady spot. Evergreen in Zone 7-9. Nishiki means “brocade,” & it rightly describes the fine textured variegated foliage of this superb selection. Forms a tidy, fountain-like mound. 

Soil: Ave. to wet.   H: 10-14" W: 20"   B/M: Brownish/ 5-6 

Z:7-9

$7.99 Qt.  

Carex elata 'Aurea'       Bowle's Golden Sedge    Zone: 5-9     

Bright gold foliage with only a narrow green margin.  Spectacular with blue Hostas or a gold edged Hosta. Likes moist, acid soil, rich in organic matter. A spectacular ornamental grass. Looks beautiful next to contrasting foliage plants like the Burgundy Heucheras. Will take sun IF soil is reliably moist. 

Soil: Moist, acid, rich      H: 16-24" W: 12-15"      B/M: Brown/ 5-6 

$7.99 Qt.  

Carex flaccosperma     Blue Wood Sedge     Zone:  5-8  

Native to Eastern North America and yet Rare to the trade. A sturdy, EVERGREEN groundcover. A slowly spreading sedge with half-inch wide 'quilted' greenish-blue leaves. An excellent filler to mix with hostas, ferns and other shade loves. Fairly drought tolerant when established.

Soil:  Most Any    H: 6-10"  W: Slowly indefinite     B/M: Brown/Spring

$7.99 Qt.  

Carex flagellifera    Copper Sedge   Zone: 7A-11     

Medium to light copper color foliage w/ hints of green & narrow upright foliage, somewhat weeping at the top. In time forms a very attractive clump to two feet plus in diameter. 

Soil: Well-drained    H: 15" W: 24"    B/M: Insignificant NA 

$7.99 Qt.

Carex flagellifera 'Toffee Twist'     Toffee Twist Copper Sedge      Zone: 7A-11     

A Toffee colored form of the Species with wonderful multihued blades that appear tan but upon close inspection are actually a multitude of colors.

Soil: Moist but very well-drained, Neutral    H: 12-18"  W: 18-24"    B/M: Insignificant

$7.99 Qt.  

Carex glauca (C. flacca)      Blue or Heath Sedge      Zone: 5-9   (cool areas)

Featured in Horticulture Magazine, February 2006. Finely textured, bluish sedge. Bluish-green grass-like foliage adds a nice texture to the garden. Strong grower. Marvelous perennial which should be used more. Where blue grasses go Dormant in winter, this sedge is EVERGREEN. Takes competition from tree roots & light foot traffic. This Michigan native is one of our BEST plants!   EVERY GARDEN SHOULD HAVE THIS PLANT!

Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained alkaline but is adaptable   H: 6-12" W: Moderately indef.   B/M: Insig./ 4-5    

  (mild areas)

$9.99 Qt.  

Carex glauca 'Zinger'     Blue or Heath Sedge      Zone: 5-9   (cool areas)

Much more upright and larger than the species.  Steel blue foliage. Looks best with ample water and fertilization, partial shade in hot summer areas.   Much more clump forming than the species but still 24" wide in 5 years, so slowly indefinite in width.

Soil:  Prefers moist, well-drained alkaline but is adaptable    H: 12-18" W: Slowly indef.    B/M: Insig./ 4-5    

  (mild areas)

$7.99 Qt.  

Carex grayi   Gray's Sedge      Zone: 3-8  

Erect grass-like foliage, 24" tall.  Deciduous, densely tufted perennial forms strong, erect clumps of broad, rich green leaves. Star-like, pale green seed heads resemble spiked clubs and are good in flower arrangements either fresh or dried. Needs moist to wet soil. 

Soil: Fertile, moist      H: 24-30"" W: 24"      B/M: Mid-green 6-9   

What you're saying about us...

 "My plants arrived today. I would just like to say, "Thank you very much for the fine plants you sent me. They are beautiful, and larger than anticipated, for the price. I was surprised, and am very pleased. This
was my first order, and I would be happy to order from you again, in the future."              Alvin, Detroit, MI

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$7.99 Qt. 

Carex hachijoensis 'Evergold'  (C. oshimensis)   Variegated Japanese Sedge  Z: 5-9  

AKA, Carex morrowii 'Aureo varigata'. A tough, clump-forming sedges whose claim to fame is the preponderance of creamy-gold and green variegated leaves. It's evergreen and according to our plant Guru, Cole Burrell, grows it in "small mounds bursting with color!" A 'Surf and Shore' plant - it grows in average moisture in the garden or pond margins.

Soil:  Moist but well-drained      H: 12"  W: 12"      B/M: Brown/4-5

$7.49 Qt.

Carex hachijoensis 'Gold Strike' (C. oshimensis)  Gold Strike Weeping Sedge      Zone: 5-9      

A stunning, evergreen Sedge which arches up and out in a cascade of 1/4" blades with dark green margins and wide, creamy gold center which mature to cream.  Somewhat slow spreading, it thrives in moist, well-drained soil and is fabulous when mature.  While it grows in zone 9, it dislikes heat combined with humidity and languishes under those conditions.

Soil: Moist but well-drained, Acid      H: 9-18"    W: 9-18"        B/M: Brownish/May   

$7.99 Qt.  

Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance'    Ice Dance Sedge       Zone: 5-9      

We are in love with this new Carex with wide, green leaves boldly outlines with white. Forms a neat clump of arching foliage. Thrives in dry shade or average woodland sites. EVERGREEN. Mildly stoloniferous.  A Barry Yinger introduction that appreciates being cut back in early spring so that you can appreciate the gorgeous new foliage. 

Soil: Well-drained       H: 12-18" W: 24-36"       B/M: Brown, Insig./ 4-4

$7.99 Qt. 

Carex morrowii var. temnolepsis       Silk Tassel    Zone: 5-8      

AKA Hosoba kan suge.  Very narrow dark green foliage with white midribs quite unlike the other C. morrowiis which have wide blades. Sun with good moisture or light shade. Beautiful spilling over a wall. This variety likes moist but well-drained soil not boggy like some.

Soil:  Moist but well-drained       H: 12" W: 24"        B/M:   Brown 4-5

$7.99 Qt.  

Carex muskingumensis      Palm Sedge   Zone: 5-9   

Featured in Horticulture Magazine, February 2006. A great Carex that resembles a small palm tree. Needs well-watered, moist or even standing water. Great substitute in the pond for the Tender Papyrus plant. In the garden, it's a beautiful fine-textured ornamental grass for shaded settings unless it's wet. An excellent ground cover or edging plant. Gorgeous with Hostas, Heucheras and Bergenias. 

Soil: Average to Wet      H: 20" W: 12"       B/M: Tan, Insig./ 6-7 

$7.99 Qt. 

Carex muskingumensis 'Little Midge'    Miniature Palm Sedge   Zone: 5-9   

As above but this Norm Hooven introduction is an exact miniature in all ways of the above.  It's not just shorter but everything about it is proportionally miniature.  Little Midge is just adorable.

Soil: Average to Wet      H: 10" W: 6"       B/M: Tan, Insig./ 6-7 

$7.99 Qt.

Carex plantaginea    Plantainleaf  or Seersucker Sedge    Zone:  5-9   

Featured in Horticulture Magazine, February 2006.  A native sedge with one of the widest leaves, up to 1" wide, almost like a narrow-leaf hosta but evergreen w/ red at the base. Handsome veining on the leaves and a dependable nature, even in dry spots (growing in nature under beech trees) makes the Sedge a great addition to the garden. 2' tall wispy, purple black flowers are insignificant. AKA, Seersucker Sedge adds a fresh element to your shade mix.

Soil:  Most any       H: 6-12"   W:          B/M:  Purple black - Insignificant

$7.99 Qt.

Carex platyphylla - Silver Sedge            Zone:  4-8

New to the trade, this is a spectacular clump-forming sedge with wide powder blue leaves that are often an inch or more wide.  Slowly spreads to form a lovely, textured groundcover in average to moist soil and will even take dry shade once established.  Evergreen but best with a hard clipping in spring before new growth starts -- like Liriope.  East Coast native but very, very rare.

Soil:  Average to Moist, well-drained    H: 8-12"   W: 12-18"     B/M: 

$9.99 Qt. 

Carex siderosticha 'Lemon Zest' PP14463    Golden Creeping Broad-leafed Sedge     Zone: 5-8          

Soil:  Ave. to moist      H: 10-12"  W:  24"      B/M: Insig.

$7.99 Qt. 

Carex siderosticha 'Variegata'    Creeping Broad-leafed Sedge      Zone: 5-8         

A wide-leaf with white stripes on margins and a pink cast to spring growth make this a stunning Carex that clump-forming and politely spreading. This is fairly new to the trade and absolutely fabulous. 

Soil:  Ave. to moist    H: 10-12"  W:  24"   B/M: Insig.

$7.99 Qt.  

Chasmanthium latifolium      Northern Sea Oats Grass     

Attractive Native w/ oat-like seed heads for groups or massing. Dark green foliage in part shade; light green in sun. Good naturalizer for dry shade. Deep gold fall color. One of the best grasses for SHADE. Very unique seed pod. Plumes to 48". Seeds less in shade. Will take moist soil.  Host plant for the Bell's Roadside-Skipper and Common Roadside-Skipper Butterflies.

Soil:  Most any but wet   H: 24"  W:          B/M: Golden brown/7-8

$8.49 Qt.  

Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila'     Dwarf HARDY Pampas Grass     Zone: 6-10     

Dwarf is a relative term!  In this case, just a bit smaller than the species but a whole zone hardier!  For those of us in Zone 7a with dreams of the gorgeous Pampas Grass you see in neighboring North Carolina, this extra hardiness makes it possible!  Yeh!   Grown for its fluffy white plumes. Drought tolerant and long-blooming. CANNOT STAND POORLY DRAINED or wet winter soil. Plant 'high' on mounded up soil if you have poorly drained soil.

Soil:  Well-drained      H: 5'   W: 4'        B/M: White/ 8-10

$9.99 Qt.

Cortaderia selloana 'Rosea'      Pink Blooming Pampas Grass       Zone: 7b-10     

As above but with pink blooms and sadly, only for the folks in warmer climates.  About a zone less hardy than the dwarf form, but oh gosh, if you live in the South, gotta have this!

Soil:  Well-drained      H:    W:      B/M: Pink/ 8-10

$7.99 Qt. 

Deschampsia caespitosa 'Bronze Veil'  ('Bronzeschleier')   Tufted Hair Grass      Zone: 4-9    

Clumping grass. From spring throughout the summer, flowers are held aloft in a profusion of drooping panicles, which look like a magical haze above the mounds of arching, deep green 12- 18" foliage. 'Bronze Veil' has a handsome golden-bronzed-brown flower color. Drought tolerant or will take moist soil. Much shorter than the species. 

Soil: Any dry to damp         H: 12" (30-36"IB) W: 12-18"       B/M: Bronze/ 5-7  

$7.99 Qt. 

warm zones

$8.99 Qt.

Equisetum hyemale     Horsetail, Scouring Rush         Zone: 3-11  

Scouring rush (bound in a bunch and used to scrub pots in olden days) is 3' tall and spreads indefinitely in a moist spot.  Hardy enough to live almost anywhere in a large pot or whiskey barrel to contain it.  Evergreen 1/3" cylindrical stems are reed-like, jointed, hollow, usually un-branched and have rough longitudinal ridges.  Tiny 'leaves" (you wouldn't pick them out as such) just appear as a narrow black-green band at each joint.  A fern relatives, it does not produce flowers but reproduces by microscopic pores that are released from a cone-like s trobilus at the tip of fertile stems.  Can be kept in bounds by sinking a large tree pot.  Beautiful in Japanese Gardens in particular.

Soil: Moist to wet      H:36"  W: Indef        B/M:  None

$8.99 Qt.

Equisetum scirpoides       Dwarf Horsetail or Scouring Rush        Zone: 3-11  

A non-flowering perennial native to North America.  Similar to the above, Equisetum hyemale in every respect but tiny in comparison.  Beautiful creeping along stream beds or in a moist, low spot in the garden.

Soil: Moist to wet     H:6-10"  W:   B/M:  None

$7.99 Qt.

Eragrostis elliottii   Blue Love Grass    Zone: (5)6-10    

"Without a doubt, this is the most exciting native plant that we have found in the last few years,"  Tony Avent.  Wonderful, narrow powder-blue foliage in a 3' wide clump with airy, fluffy blooms in early May, remain beautiful thru October.  Good as a specimen or massed in a border or they can even be used as a natural lawn, mowing once in the spring!  Attractive to birds.  It caught our eye at a little roadside garden center (that didn't have a single other memorable plant for sale) so this beauty, in full bloom, just blew us away!  In truth, I think it would have blown us away in a big garden center with lots of memorable plants as well!  This is a winner.  (Warm season grass.) Host plant for the Zabulon Skipper Butterfly.

Soil:    H: 18-24" (40" IB)  W:  36"    B/M:  Tan/May

$7.99 Qt.

Eragrostis spectabilis     Purple Love Grass     Zone: 5-10B    

Every bit as pretty as the above grass with a similar look but with purple blooms instead of tan.  A gorgeous South Eastern Native grass that does self-seed a bit.  But worth removing the occasional baby if you don't want it because the 'Momma' is just so pretty.  Nothing else quite like it.  Tiny purple seed heads form a cloud of purple.  Rhizomatous.  I believe this one cannot be shipped to Oregon or Idaho.  Foliage turns red near the end of the season.  (Warm season grass.) Host plant for the Zabulon Skipper Butterfly.

Soil: Sandy or well-drained      H:10-12" (24-30" IB)  W: 24-36"      B/M: Purple/8-10

Erianthus (See Saccharum)

This web article says it all about Blue Fescue.  It opens in it's own window.

$7.99 Qt.

Festuca ovina glauca 'Golden Toupee'      Golden Toupee Fescue     Zone: 6-8   

Compact, clumping grass in a new color introduction for fescues. Soft yellow mounds in the sun, turning greenish in light shade. Exciting new look for a grass. Thin, tan flower spikes in late summer. Divide every other year to promote vigor. 

Soil: Well-drained    H: 10" W: 10"    Bloom/Month: Tan 8-9 

Hakonechloa take some years for a plant to look like these. 

These plants are fairly slow off the 'starting block' but then pick up speed in subsequent years.  It will not be terribly impressive when it arrives.  If you need Instant Gratification, Hakonechloa are probably not for you! This is for people who accept that some things are worth waiting for!  And Hakonechloa sure are!  There is no other grass quite like it!

$9.99 Qt. 

Hakonechloa macra 'Albostriata' (Albo-Striata)  Japanese Forest Grass  Z: 5-9   (cool areas)

Like all of this species, this has cascading foliage but in this case with a white stripe down the green foliage.  The green in the leaves makes it a much faster grower than the gold forms which are slow and it's more sun tolerant and grows taller.  Lovely with Hostas or around water features.  Japanese Forest Grass in its various forms are the best grass for shade.  Probably the most cold hardy of the Variegated forms.

Soil: Moist but well-drained, Acid best  H: 18-36"    W: 18-36"      B/M:  Insignificant

$8.99 Qt. 

Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold'    Japanese Forest Grass Zone: (5)6-9     (cool areas)

Apparently most folks don't realize how hardy this grass is.   Slow spreader that wants moisture during the growing season and part shade.   Native to the mountain cliffs of Japan (the Hakone region, hence the name).  Cascading foliage is as the name says -- All Gold -- and is unbeatable for brightening the shade garden..

Soil: Moist but well-drained, Acid best    H:10"  W:18"     B/M: Insignificant

$9.99 Qt. 

Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'      Japanese Forest Grass   Zone: (5)6-9     (cool areas)

Apparently most folks don't realize how hardy this grass is.  Thanks to the diligent gardeners on the GardenWeb, who have reported it hardy to zone 3.  Slow spreader that wants moisture during the growing season and part shade.  Native to the mountain cliffs of Japan (the Hakone region, hence the name).  Cascading foliage is tinted with green, chartreuse and cream -- hues that will brighten a shade garden.

Soil: Moist but well-drained, Acid Best    H:10"  W:18"     B/M: Insignificant

RHS Award of Garden Merit

$9.99 Qt. 

$7.99 Qt. 

Juncus effusus 'Spiralis'   ( Rush, Corkscrew )  Zone: 6-9          

What a cool looking plant! A native found in almost every state in the US but this is the very rare spiral form. Will work in a shady spot with average moisture or in a moist spot in full sun. Will also work in the pond in up to 3" of water. It looks like just like its name -- like a long, thin green corkscrew. 

Soil: Moist, acidic    H: 18" W: 24"    No bloom   

Also, you might be interested in Liriope listed on the La-Li Page

Liriope muscari 'Christmas Tree'    Liriope 'Monroe's #2

Liriope muscari 'Monroe White'     White Liriope  

Liriope spicata 'Silver Dragon'  Variegated Groundcover Liriope

$7.99 Qt. 

Luzula 'Ruby Stiletto'   Red Rush     Zone: 5-9   

This beautiful new introduction was discovered in the mountains of British Columbia. Forms a dense, tufted mound of swirling green foliage which is deeply tinged with ruby-red in early spring, late fall and winter. This is an evergreen plant, happiest in part to full sun and moist soil. It is, however, very tolerant of less than ideal conditions including dry areas. Evergreen.
Soil:  Most any, moist best        H:12"  W: 8"        B/M:  Insignificant

$7.99 Qt. 

Luzula sylvatica 'Marginata'        Variegated Greater Woodrush    Zone: 5-9    

One of the most unique Luzulas in the trade and with a totally different look. Variegated wide foliage. Dense habit, rich green leaves w/ neat cream margins and pendent, brown and gold spikelets. AKA, L. sylvatica 'Aureomarginata'. Will take full sun ONLY if soil is moist. In shade, it will take any well-drained soil. Will take deep shade.

Soil: Moist but well-drained    H: 12" (18"IB) W: 12-24"     B/M: Brown & gold/5-6

$7.99 Qt.

Melica altissima atropurpurea     Siberian melicgrass     Zone: 4-9   

A tufted perennial grass of pale to mid-green with deep purple spikelets that become paler with age.  Bright foliage comes up in Spring and then, in May, striking dark plum spikes appear.  Easy to grow and good in dried flower arrangements.  Best grown at the back of the border.

Soil: Moist but well-drained    H:36-48"  W: 12"       B/M:  Deep plum spikelets/Summer  

Miscanthus (Maiden Grass) are some of the most beautiful of grasses.  They have recently gotten some bad press for reseeding.  We immediately discard any that we notice doing this in our gardens.   If you live near a natural ecosystem, you probably shouldn't grow Miscanthus.  Keep in mind that these are WARM season grasses and do not really start to grow until the weather warms up, so in early season they won't have much foliage and won't be strongly rooted BUT they have all the roots they need for that time.

Please note Miscanthus sinensis species and cultivars are now listed as a Noxious Weed list in CT  ("Potentially invasive, not banned" is the quote 2008 ) -- certainly not to be used in any area where stray seedlings cannot be removed.  In your maintained yard in a neighborhood, it's not a problem.  It should not be planted anywhere near a wetland or wild area.

$9.99 Qt. 

Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus'    Maiden Grass, Eulalia    Zone:  (4)5-9    *

A clump forming grass, slowly spreading but maintaining the clump form  Tolerant of most soils including clay.  Foliage looks beautiful left through winter for visual interest (turning yellowish at first but quickly to straw-beige) and left over winter, it protects crowns in colder areas.  Cut foliage to the ground in late winter.  'Gracillimus' is an old, popular cultivar that blooms later than most Miscanthus and the plumes persist well into winter.  Takes part shade but doesn't bloom as well and can flop.

Soil:  Any but standing wet       H:4-6' (7-8' IB)  W:3-6'      B/M:  Silver/August thru Winter

CT

$8.49 Qt. 

Miscanthus sinensis 'Graziella'   Maiden Grass, Eulalia    Zone:  4-9   

Warm season grass with fine, slender, 1/4" wide foliage & upright, arching form. Large, bronze to white plumes appear in mid to late August (early for a Miscanthus) high above the foliage. Prefers moist, rich, well drained soil in full sun. Distinct because of the burgundy reverses on the green blades & the darkness of the stems.

Soil:  Any but wet      H: 5-6'  W: 3-4'    B/M:  Creamy White/August thru Winter

CT

$8.99 Qt. 

Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Kitten'     Dwarf Maiden Grass     Zone:  5-9    

A dwarf from of Maiden or Eulalia grass typically forms a foliage clump to only 15" tall with arching, narrow green leaves. The showy, cascading plumes are silvery with with pink or reddish hues comes in August and perch well atop the foliage.  Later the blooms give way to light beige seed heads continuing the show well into winter.  Wonderful as a fresh or dry cut flower.

CT

$8.49 Qt. 

Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light'     Maiden Grass    Zone:  5-9   

This is one of the most stunning grasses in our garden!  Never, ever flops -- not even in 2003 when the tail end of a Hurricane hit us and knocked down and ancient oak tree about 40 feet away!  Now that's 'stand-up-ability'!  Very narrow green leaves with white variegation on the margins giving the foliage has an overall silvery appearance.  Similar to M. 'Gracillimus' but somewhat smaller, more fine-textured.

Soil:  Any but wet      H: 4-6'   W: 2.5-4'     B/M: Beige/August thru Winter

CT

$8.49 Qt. 

Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus'     Porcupine Grass    Zone:  5-9    

Similar to but much better than Zebra Grass. An excellent grass, Porcupine Grass will be a feature in your garden. Foliage is more rounded and quill-like than Zebrinus so it stays very upright and doesn't flop or arch outward. A superb specimen. Doesn't mind heat or humidity or our poorly drained soil! Cut or burn to ground in early spring.  3/4" wide gold bands on the green foliage.  "...one of the best ornamental grasses for the urban garden." Tony Avent

Soil:  Most any      H: 6-8'  W: 3-4'    B/M: Bronze/July-Fall

CT

$8.49 Qt. 

Miscanthus sinensis 'Transmorrisonensis'     Evergreen Maiden Grass     Zone:  6B-9    

From Morris Arboretum. 3' tall green foliage arches out gracefully to make a yard wide clump. From July and continuing thru late fall, it's topped with 6-7' tall white plumes. In Zone 8 and south, it is evergreen, hence the common name and in the north, delays turning brown until after the others. Does not seem to reseed.

Soil:  Any but wet      H: 2-3"  W: Indef.    B/M:  Bronze to White/Fall

CT

$7.99 Qt. 

Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana'     Dwarf Mondo Grass   Zone: 6-10   

Grass-like evergreen ground cover plants resembling Liriope, but usually w/ narrower foliage, that spread slowly by underground runners & form a thick turf. Most have small lilac flowers followed by nodding scapes of blue berries. Slower growing and much more compact than the species. Rarely blooms.

Soil:  Moist but well-drained  H: 4-5"  W:  Indef.  Bloom/Month:  Lilac/Summer

$9.99 Qt. 

Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Niger'      Black Mondo Grass   Zone: 6-10     

A striking form of Mondo grass, near black purple in color is beautiful with silver foliage plants. Add light lilac to pink flowers followed by dark blue-black fruits and you definitely have a winner. Nothing else quite like it. AKA, Black Dragon, Ebony Knight. Slightly acidic soil.   Slow at first, then it picks up but never really berserk.  Just steady.  More expensive because it's very slow to propagate as a young plant.

Soil: Moist but well-drained     H: 9" W: Indef.     Bloom/Month: Lilac to pink/ 7-8 

Panicums or Switch Grasses come in a variety of foliage colors - green, blue and red - so you can pick just the right hue for your garden.

$10.99 Qt. 

$7.99 Qt.

Panicum virgatum 'Haense Hermes'  (Hans Herms)   Green Switch Grass   Zone: 5-9  

The more green form of Switch Grass.  Wonderful light, airy see thru blooms in Fall.  Host Plant for the Broad-Winged, Delaware, Tawny-Edged, Dotted and Arogos Skipper Butterflies.

Soil: Fertile, well-drained  Ht:  36" (56"IB)  W:        B/M:  Auburn/Fall

$7.99 Qt. 

Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'      Blue Switch Grass    Zone: 5-9     

A great looking Switch Grass with stiff, blue foliage.  Host Plant for the Broad-Winged, Delaware, Tawny-Edged, Dotted and Arogos Skipper Butterflies.

Soil: Fertile, well-drained      H: 36" W:      B/M: / 9-10 

$7.99 Qt. 

Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah'   Red Switch Grass      Zone: 5-9      

One of the very few red or burgundy perennial grasses. Starts the season blue green and colors up red by June. Airy red flower clusters in early Fall that are attractive in flower arrangements or dried. Moderately slow grower.  Host Plant for the Broad-Winged, Delaware, Tawny-Edged, Dotted and Arogos Skipper Butterflies.

Soil: Fertile, well-drained      H: 36" W:      B/M: Burgundy/ 9-10 

$7.99 Qt. 

Panicum virgatum 'Trailblazer'    Blue Switch Grass     Zone: 5-9     

Airy red flower clusters in early Fall above blue foliage that are attractive in flower arrangements or dried. Moderately slow grower.  Host Plant for the Broad-Winged, Delaware, Tawny-Edged, Dotted and Arogos Skipper Butterflies.

Soil: Fertile, well-drained      H: 36" W: B/M:      Burgundy/ 9-10  

$7.99 Qt. 

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'      Hameln Fountain Grass      Zone: 6-9     

Graceful, wheat-like grass. Slender arching leaves are deep green. Hameln is exceptionally hardy and DWARF with greenish white to silver pink blooms fading to gray-brown. Early flowering. Foliage turns golden yellow in Fall. Excellent groundcover. 

Soil: Any, well-drained       H: 24-36" W: Indef.       B/M: Silver pink/ 8-9 

  OR

$7.99 Qt. 

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Little Bunny'   Dwarf Fountain Grass    Zone: 6-9    

Fountain Grasses form clumps of slender, graceful dark green leaves & outward arching spikes of foxtail-like flower heads. Cut back old growth each spring. 'Little Bunny' is a diminutive cultivar w/ dark green foliage forming dense, low mounds & short fluffy flower heads appearing in summer. Excellent choice for groundcover, pathways or rock gardens. 

Soil: Moist but well-drained      H: 10-12" W: 10-12"       B/M: Cream/ 6-7 

  OR

$7.99 Qt. 

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'National Arboretum'       Black Fountain Grass      Zone 6-9    

More outstanding blooms than the standard, P. Moudry, Black Fountain grass. This grass is in a class by itself! Very dark blooms. Hard to find in the trade. One of our favorite grasses. Self-seeds but only in a regularly irrigated garden. Seedlings are easy to remove early on.

Soil: Moist but well-drained      H: 24" W: 24-36"       B/M: Dark Brown/ 6-7 

  OR

$8.99 Qt. 

  OR

$7.99 Qt. 

Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose' #12,909  Oriental Fountain Grass     Zone 5a-8     Best OK

Stunning, furry and soft, Rose-purple blooms from June through August.  A 'warm season' grass native to Asia and forms graceful, spreading foliage clumps to 18" with blooms sitting above the foliage.  It has more rose blooms, blooms longer and with fuller blooms and is slightly more hardy.  One of the very prettiest of grasses.

Soil:  Well-drained    H: 2-3'   W: 2-3'     B/M: Rose-purple/6-8

$8.99 Qt. 

  OR

$7.99 Qt. 

Phalaris arundinacea Strawberries & Cream'   Ribbon Grass   Zone:      

Phalaris is a large family of grasses serving many diverse needs--from hay for livestock to cotton sizing.  Strawberries & Cream is an exceptional ornamental grass w/ variegated leaf blades of green & white flushed with even more pink than Feesey's.  Aggressive, spread quickly, good for erosion control or durable groundcover.  Can be mowed and/or used as a pond plant.

Soil:  Most any       H: 36" W:        B/M: 

$7.99 Qt. 

Saccharum (Erianthus) ravennae     Raven Grass     Zone: 6-10       

Large, erect, tufted grasses w/ flat leaf blades & dense, silky panicles of flowers in later summer/fall. Non-invasive & adaptable to many areas of the garden. AKA Hardy Pampas Grass. Flat leaf blades turns to russet shades in fall. Magnificent 1-2' long plumes are grand for fresh or dried arrangements. Makes dramatic specimens for the large landscape.   

Soil: Any but dry    H: 8-10' W: 4'    B/M: Creamy 9-10

$7.99 Qt. 

Schizachyrium scoparium 'The Blues'  Little Bluestem Grass 'The Blues'   Zone: 3-9    

Native warm season grass for poor, dry or sharply drained soils. This is a spectacular Blue form of the species. A true blue grass that loves heat & humidity. In the fall, the glowing blue becomes intense & a deep burgundy red mingles w/ the entire clump. Soft, wispy seed heads from Aug-Oct. Extremely cold hardy. Host plant for the Dusted, Arogos, Meske's, Cobweb and Crossline Skipper Butterflies.

Soil: Sharply drained            H: 36-48" W: 18-24"           B/M: Tan /Aug.-Oct

$7.99 Qt. 

Sesleria caerulea     Blue Moor Grass    Zone: 5A-9A           

Clumping, cool season growing evergreen grass. Leaves are dark green on top, powdery bluish white underneath. Flowers on stems 6-8" above the foliage in early spring thru early summer. Narrow spikes of greenish flowers in spring give way to silvery inflorescences.  Prefers a moist but well-drained rich soil in full sun to part shade. Can used as a border, small accent or groundcover.  Yeh, Grass that doesn't need to be mowed!  We could get into that!

Soil: Ave. to moist (even soggy)      H:6-12" (18" IB)  W: 9-12"     B/M: Green /3-6

$7.99 Qt.

Stipa (Nassella) capillata      Feather Grass     Zone: 6-9    

Tufted perennial grass, erect, clustered. Leaf blades are glaucous and stiffly erect. From Eurasia, this beautiful ornamental grass has delicate foliage and attractive upright plumes. Stipas are among the MOST BEAUTIFUL of the small grasses.

Soil:  Well-drained    H:  36"  W: 6"    B/M:  Buff/

$7.99 Qt.

Stipa (Nassella) tenuissima    Feather Grass    Zone: 6-9           

Evergreen flowering-grass. Tolerates some drought once established. AKA Texas Needle Grass. Tenuissima is native to Mexico and the Southwest. The bright green leaves are very thin and flexible and eddy in the wind; soft and airy in appearance and to the touch. It offers terrific ornamental value to a garden.  Evergreen -- actually brown.

Soil:  Well-drained         H: 24"  W: 24"       B/M: Buff/ 5-6