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Tall Ornamental Grass~ Need input

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Posted by friesfan1 5b KS (My Page) on
Wed, Jun 7, 06 at 9:42

Hi,
I live in zone 5b KS.
Where we have hot windy summers and pretty cold winters.
I have been searching the net for just the right TALL
ornamental grass for my landscape.

What I need is information from people who have had success
with tall grasses for my region.
Any information would be helpful.
Thanks,
Mary z 5 KS

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RE: Tall Ornamental Grass~ Need input

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I live in Zone 5a (northeast Nebraska) and have successfully grown Ravenna grass. It looks very similar to Pampas grass but is cold hardy. It grows very tall, often reaching 10-12 feet, but doesn't spread out very far, maybe 4-5 feet in diameter. It makes wonderful rustling sounds in the wind, which we have plenty of. Love it.

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RE: Tall Ornamental Grass~ Need input

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Hi Lynda ne,
I had read about Ravenna grass, but what I saw was good
for zones 6-10. So I was afraid to invest in something
that my not live to see the next season.

Thanks for your thoughts, I will do some futher research
into it.
Mary z 5b KS

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RE: Tall Ornamental Grass~ Need input

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  • Posted by donn_ 7a, GSB, LI, NY (My Page) on
    Wed, Jun 7, 06 at 14:46

You might also look at Miscanthus giganteus. It grows 10-14' tall and is hardy to zone 4. A bit shorter, Sporobolus wrightii, AKA Big Sacaton. Some forms of it reach 10' and it's hardy to at least zone 5. Finally, there's Giant Reed, Arundo donax. If it likes it's location, it can exceed 20' tall. It's listed as zone 6, but forum members grow it very successfully in zone 5.

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RE: Tall Ornamental Grass~ Need input

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Hi Donn,
I checked out the Gian Reed, Arundo Donax. I think I even
have seen this grass around here. Although it is really
tall, I read it is invasive.

I managed to talk a co-worker out of what looks like
Pampas Grass, but I don't think it is. Alot of people
grow it around here. It gets really tall and has white
plumes in late summer. I would speculate it may get around
10-12 ft high.

Mary
zone 5b KS

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RE: Tall Ornamental Grass~ Need input

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  • Posted by donn_ 7a, GSB, LI, NY (My Page) on
    Thu, Jun 8, 06 at 16:43

Mary, that's probably Ravenna. Another name for it is Hardy Pampas Grass. I have a few clumps which I just started from seed this winter sowing season.

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RE: Tall Ornamental Grass~ Need input

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Then that is probably what I see all over this area.
It seems to do great in this around here.

There is also a small wild grass that I like and had
dug up out in the country. I used it in my past
residence.
It is whispy looking and has
very narrow slightly purple seadheads in the summer.
It shimmers when the wind blows. It would be a front
of the boarder plant growing only about 12" tall.

I plan on adding that to what will now become a combo Grass, wildflower garden.

Seems I am not the only one with that idea, as I have seen
the same plant in another garden in town.

Thanks everyone for the help.

Mary
z 5b KS

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