The beauty of what we commonly call ‘Flame grass’ is that from rather plain green grass in spring, Miscanthus sinensis ‘Purpurascens’ turns into a showstopper. As the weather warms up, the stems turn to stunning red to burnt orange colour…
First noticed in the Philippines where it grows in sandy soils near the coast, Zoysia grass is now widely used from Florida to California. Its big asset is that is salt tolerant, hardy to foot traffic and although slow growing,…
Black Mondo Grass Also known as ‘Monkey Grass’ as well as ‘Black Mondo Grass’ , you could get a little confused as a few other grasses are called ‘Monkey Grass’ so lets stick with the botanical name Ophiopogan planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’.…
Miscanthus sinensis is one species of a group of ornamental grasses used widely in landscaping. Also known as Maiden Grass this is a perennial grass growing to over 3m depending on species and cultivar. Although we are looking at varieties…
Monkey Grass or Lilyturf A strappy leafed evergreen perennial, Liriope muscari is widely used as a ground cover plant. Over time it will form a dense carpet, excellent to planting beneath deciduous trees as well as in full sun. Commonly…
One of the increasingly popular ornamental grasses now available for sale, Hakonechloa macra ‘aureola’. This is a beautiful weeping grass with soft texture. Also known as Japanese Forest Grass this is best suited to USDA Zones 5 – 9 although…
A group of small ornamental grasses widely used in landscaping Calamagrostis x acutifolia ‘karl foerster’ (pictured right) is one of the most widely used varieties. Useful for its ability to grow well in damp conditions most Calamagrostis species will grow…
With broad flax-like silver leaves Astelia chathamica is a clump forming evergreen perennial grass with attractive silvery green ‘spear shaped’ foliage characterised by drooping at the tips. This Silver foliage plant plants are from New Zealand and grow in damp…
Anemanthele lessoniana or ‘New Zealand Wind Grass’ with its dark olive green foliage that turns to orange and yellow in Autumn is a useful clumping ornamental grass found for sale online. This plant was formerly called Stipa arundinacea but has…
A useful group of plants, Acorus gramineus varieties are varied in their use, some making excellent garden plants for wet soils, others said to have medicinal uses. Acorus gramineus ‘variegatus’ is the tallest, reaching around 2ft in height. Other are…
With strappy variegated foliage Acorus gramineus ‘Ogon’, is commonly called ‘Golden Sweet Flag’. A native to Japan, this is a miniature perennial ‘flag’ growing to 10 – 12 inches. This is an aptly named plant as Ogon means gold, and…
