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Tall ornamental grasses for border in MA
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Posted by waterstone Zone 5 (My Page) on Wed, May 27, 09 at 8:44
| Hi,
I'm looking for recommendations for a tall ornamental grass to run along my driveway in Central Massachusetts. I need it to be non-invasive and would like something native if possible. The area gets full sun. The bed will be very narrow, perhaps 1.5 - 2 feet wide. I've not worked with ornamental grasses at all so am a complete newbie on this topic, Is there something out there that will fit the bill?
Thanks,
Steve |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Tall ornamental grasses for border in MA
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- Posted by donn_ 7a, GSB, LI, NY (My Page) on
Wed, May 27, 09 at 10:18
| My first choice would be Panicum virgatum 'Northwind.' It's the most erect and upright grass I've seen, and will stay within the narrow bed nicely. The species is almost certainly native to Massachusetts, at least in its coastal regions. My next choice would be Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster.' Not quite as erect in habit as 'Northwind' but close. A benefit is the fact it is a cool season grass and will start its seasonal growth earlier than 'Northwind' and provide a longer season of interest. Most other tall grasses will greatly exceed 1.5-2' of bed width, at least at the top of the clump. If you can stand the overhang of driveway and lawn, then there are far more options. |
RE: Tall ornamental grasses for border in MA
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| Thanks Donn. Northwind looks like a good match for my needs. What do you think of mixing it with Karl Foerster in a border? Don't want to go with anything that will be wider because of the driveway proximity. |
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