Let's talk ornamental grasses today, shall we?
Good, glad you are game. Onward.
By far the most consistent ornamental grass for me in terms of size, shape, bloom and winter non toppling over-ness, Miscanthus 'Gracillimus' is again kicking some serious booty, even in July:
You are looking at the best part of Calamagrostis (Feather Reed Grass) 'El Dorado':
But upon closer inspection, not all that great:
I have a bunch of these located all over the property and really none of them are impressing. The best looking one is in half shade so maybe that is the answer. More to come.
I know they are everywhere and similar to 'El Dorado' in terms of being rather "blah" (snobby horticultural term in case you haven't heard it before) but I still like looking at the blooms on my 'Karl Foerster' Feather Reed Grasses from my deck, especially when backlit by the sun in late afternoon:
Another grass I've soured on of late is Pennisetum 'Karley Rose'. The overall shape is weak and the bloom count has been small the past two years or so:
Maybe it is time to divide and that will improve things. Sounds like a nice Fall task to me.
You've heard me discuss it numerous times in the past, but I'll say it again - Panicum (Switch Grass) 'Rotstrahlbusch' really kicks ass. The one that I divided this Spring is already blooming:
And another division from two years ago keeps on keeping on:
Still loving Purple Fountain Grass in containers, especially now that the ladies are blooming:
Aren't you two beauties (AKA Miscanthus 'Variegatus') holding up wonderfully:
And finally, you are looking at my new favorite resting place, now adorned with two Blue Dune Lyme Grass in containers:
Hope you enjoyed.
John