Ask the Gardener
Using Grasses in the Landscape
When
people usually think of grasses in their landscape, they envision large billowing
Maiden grasses that reach more than seven feet tall. Although there are great
places for tall grasses, they can often be overwhelming in a landscape. I
like to use smaller grasses, planted en masse, to create a neat, orderly
appearance with minimal maintenance. Also, we try to get grass planted before
the dog days of July so the roots have a chance to establish. This makes
it easier for the plants to survive the harsh winters.
A Few of His Favorites…
1. Liriope muscari ‘Variegata’
Muscari and Lilyturf
“Superb when planted in a large group. It is a beautiful perennial
that has a blue spring flower. It stays small, and I love it in tight
groupings. It prefers loose, well-drained soil and does best if not in the
direct sunlight all day long.”
2. Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’
Dwarf Fountain Grass
“This stays between one and two feet tall. Try using this planted in a double
row or band around a clump of slightly taller Japanese Blood Grasses. The
striking contrast in color with the green against the reddish-orange will
be stunning in the sunlight.”
3. Miscanthus sinensis ‘Adagio’
Adagio Grass
“A dwarf grass that reaches a max of two to three feet tall. Use it in a
planting island surrounding a Himalayan birch tree for a simple, peaceful
look.”
This article appeared in the 2010 Home edition of Whirl Magazine.