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Please give suggestions!
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Posted by diana_noil 5 (My Page) on Thu, May 1, 08 at 16:19
| I have two very different spaces that I want to fill with ornamental grasses and would love the input of the experts before I invest all the funds for it. I should first say that I would like to have grasses that won't flop over in the snow over winter.
Area 1: Along front of house, approx 15 feet wide to fill, ideally as close to 3 feet high as possible, not more than 4 feet high, gets sun until late afternoon and tends to get a little dry in late summer.
Area 2: Along the back of the yard, approx 20 feet wide as a loose hedge. Here I would love something tall (6-8') and more dramatic. This area is full sun and the soil stays decently moist.
I have a few things in mind, but I am open to suggestions and appreciate the help! |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Please give suggestions!
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| Here are a few of my recommendations. Area 1:
Panicum virgatum (and cultivars)
Calamagrostis xacutiflora 'Karl Foerster' Area 2:
Miscanthus sinensis (hardier varieties)
- Purpurascens, Autumn Light, Graziella, Malepartus, Sarabande, Silberfeder, Strictus, Cabaret, Cosmopolitan
Panicum virgatum (taller varieties)
- Cloud Nine, Northwind |
RE: Please give suggestions!
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| Thanks so much! I went ahead and purchased the miscanthus sinensis this afternoon for the back after I read your reply (area 2). I hadn't even thought about the Karl Foerster for the front and I like the idea but I am a little concerned that the area tends to really dry out in the heat of summer even when I water. I thought that variety needed a more consistently moist soil? |
RE: Please give suggestions!
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| Karl does best with moderately moist soil conditions, but if it's not extreme dry conditions, it may be ok. Calamagrostis arundinacea tolerate dry soil better than the acutiflora. Panicum v. Shenendoah is another that comes to mind...great color! |
RE: Please give suggestions!
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| Your first area sounds like it would be a good spot for Pink Muhly, Muhlenbergia capillaris. This is one of my favorite grasses and it would be just about the right height and is great for massing. It has a fine texture and is very drought resistant. The best thing is the masses of pink flowers in late summer - early fall. It is truly spectacular when grown in clusters. |
RE: Please give suggestions!
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| Muhly would look great, but wouldn't be hardy in zone 5. |
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