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BAMBOO
Believe it or not, Bamboo is actually a member
of the grass family. This fast growing plant is
well known for all the tall woody stems it
produces. It can be an amazing landscape
addition, creating quick screens and privacy as
well as providing attractive evergreen to
semi-evergreen foliage to enjoy. Bamboo has long
been known as an agressively spreading plant,
and while that can still be the case with
certain species, non-invasive, clumping-type
bamboo selections are now becoming more readily
available and are offered below. Once
established, bamboo requires very little care
and has very few problems that bother it. Of
course, it is well known that panda bears love
to eat bamboo, and they have been known to
devastate small plantings, but that has not been
proven to be a significant problem in this part
of Kansas.
Dwarf Bamboo
(Sasaella masumuneana ‘Albostriata’)—A dwarf,
hardy, running bamboo with bright green leaves
variegated with white or cream. Light shade is
recommended. Height 3-4’, running.
Dwarf White Stripe Bamboo
(Pleioblastus fortunei)—A dwarf, variegated
species with good winter hardiness and a running
habit that makes it useful for groundcover use.
This species benefits from a mowing or clipping
back of the foliage early in the spring before
the flush of new growth. Does best in light
shade. Height 3-4’, running.
Fountain Bamboo
(Fargesia nitida)— An exceptionally cold hardy
species with a clump forming habit that
eliminates the need to be worried about
containment. Dark purplish canes, covered with a
bluish-white bloom when young. Vase shaped in
habit, gently arching at its top. Height 8-12’,
clumping.
Mountain Bamboo
(Fargesia rufa)—Originating from the mountains
of China, this is cold hardy species with a
clumping, non-invasive habit. An attractive
plant with a mature size that fits a little bit
easier into a lot of gardens. Grows best with
afternoon shade. Height 6-8’, clumping.
Yellow-Groove Bamboo
(Phyllostachys aureosulcata)—This is a vigorous
running type bamboo, useful for screening. Dark
green, semi-evergreen foliage and golden bamboo
stems. Easy to grow, but give it space because
it will spread! Height 10-15’+, running.
BLUESTEM
Big Bluestem
(Andropogon gerardii)—This native prairie grass
is also known as “Turkeyfoot” because of late
season plumes that resemble a turkey’s foot.
Extremely drought tolerant and well adapted to
our area. Native to our tall grass prairies.
Attractive purplish-bronze fall color. Height
4-7’, spread 2-3’.
Blue Heaven
Little Bluestem
(Schizachyrium scoparius ‘Blue Heaven’)—A
selection introduced by the University of
Minnesota with dark blue to burgundy summer
foliage, changing to red to purple and violet in
the fall. Taller, more upright selection. Height
3-4’, spread 24-30”.
The Blues Little Bluestem
(Schizachyrium scoparius ‘The Blues’)—This is a
fantastic selection of one of our toughest
native prairie grasses. Incredible blue foliage
throughout the season, changing to deep
burgundy-red in the fall. Showy purple-bronze
seed heads late in the season. Height 2-4’,
spread 18-24”.
DROPSEED
Prairie Dropseed
(Sporobolus heterolepis)—A very tough native
prairie grass. This is a slow-growing, small
species with rich emerald-green foliage
throughout the summer changing to golden-yellow
to orange in the fall. Sweetly fragrant flowers
rise above the foliage late in the summer.
Height 2-3’, spread 2-3’.
FESCUE
NEW!—Boulder
Blue Fescue
(Festuca ovina var. glauca ‘Boulder Blue’)—Rich
metallic blue foliage in a dense little clump
about 8” tall. Bluer in color than ‘Elijah
Blue’. Flowers rise about 6” above the foliage.
Plant in well-drained soils. Height 8-12”,
spread 8-12”.Elijah Blue Fescue
(Festuca ovina var. glauca ‘Elijah Blue’)—Low
tufted grass with fine, silver-blue foliage.
Needs well-drained soil and full sun. Height
6-10”, spread 8-12”.
FOREST GRASS
Japanese Forest Grass
(Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’)—A bright, small
grass selection that does great in the shade.
Bright yellow foliage, accented with green
stripes. Leaf coloration is best in light shade.
Height 12-18”, 18-24”.
FOUNTAIN GRASS
Annual Purple Fountain Grass
(Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’)—Outstanding
ornamental purple foliage and foxtail blooms.
Makes a large, attractive clump in one season.
Although this plant technically is a perennial,
it is not winter hardy enough to make it though
our winters, so treat as an annual. One of the
best! Height 3-4’. A 2003 Pride of Kansas
Selection.
Black-seeded Fountain Grass
(Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Moudry’)—A
handsome form with long black plumes of flowers
in the fall atop dark green foliage. Looks great
incorporated into perennial borders. Height
2-3’, spread 2-3’.
Dwarf Fountain Grass
(Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’)—Probably the
best of the fountain grasses and definitely the
most popular. Handy short habit makes it useful
in a variety of settings. Showy,
bottlebrush-like flower spikes adorn the plant
through the late summer and on into the winter.
Height 2-3’, spread 2-3’.
Fountain Grass
(Pennisetum alopecuroides)—A very popular grass
with showy, 5-7” long, bottle brush-like plumes
late in the summer. Creates a wonderful effect.
Looks great as a specimen or in mass plantings.
Height 3-4’, spread 3-4’.
Karley Rose Fountain Grass
(Pennisetum orientale ‘Karley Rose’)—An elegant
selection with beautiful rose-purple flowers
rising about rich green foliage. Height 2 1/2-3
1/2’, spread 2-3’.
Little Bunny Fountain Grass
(Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Little
Bunny’)—Smallest of the fountain grasses
reaching only 10-12” tall. Makes a small mound
of soft green topped with cute little “bunny
tail” plumes. Height 10-12”, spread 12-15”.
GIANT REED GRASS
Giant Reed Grass
(Arundo donax)—A bold, giant grass with
bamboo-like canes and long, drooping, gray-green
leaves. Foot-long flowers in late season. Height
10-14’, spread 4-8’.
Variegated Giant Reed Grass
(Arundo donax ‘Variegata’)— A variegated form of
this giant of a plant. Leaves and stems are
striped creamy-white, creating an explosion of
color in the garden. Spring growth is most
vibrantly colored, fading through the summer to
yellow-green. Absolutely stunning! Height
10-14’, spread 4-8’.
HAIR GRASS
Bronze Veil Tufted Hair Grass
(Deschampsia caespitosa ‘Bronzeschleier’)—An
attractive selection with bronze-green flower
heads. A low-growing, evergreen grass that
prefers moist to boggy locations and heavier
soils. Can tolerate some shade and in fact it
may even prefer shade through the hot summer
months. Mass for best effect. Height 2-3’,
spread 2-3’.
MOOR GRASS
Skyracer Moor Grass
(Molinia caerulea var. arundinacea ‘Skyracer’)—A
tall-growing selection with flowering stems that
can reach up to 6-7’ in height. Foliage is
shorter and takes on a terrific yellow-orange in
the fall. The long stiff flower stems allow the
flowers to dance with the slightest breeze.
Height 5-7’, spread 5-7’.
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PAMPAS GRASS
(Erianthus ravennae)—This is one of our most
popular selections, and has been used in Kansas
gardens for many years. Quickly develops into a
very large plant topped with large showy plumes
late in the summer. Gives great year round
interest. Height 8-12’, spread 4-6’.
REED GRASS
Avalanche Reed Grass
(Calamagrastis acutifolia ‘Avalanche’)—A
variegated form of ’Karl Foerester’. Bright
green foliage is accented with wide white
centers. Flower stalks rise impressively above
the foliage and are topped with pinkish-green
flowers maturing to golden seedheads that last
through the summer. Height 4-5’, spread 2-3’.
Karl Foerster Reed Grass
(Calamagrastis arundinacea ‘Karl Foerster’)—Upright,
narrow habit. Showy, narrow, spikey blooms start
out pink in mid-summer, turn golden tan in fall.
Looks great in mass plantings. PPA Perennial
Plant of the Year 2001. Height 4-5’, spread
2-3’.
Korean Feather Reed Grass
(Calamagrastis arundinacea var. brachytricha)—Delicate,
rich green foliage turns a bright, clear yellow
in the fall. The emerging flower spikes are a
wonderful rosy-pink that matures to a golden
wheat color. This selection does equally well in
lightly shaded areas and full sun. Height 2-3’,
spread 2-3’.
Overdam Reed Grass
(Calamagrastis arundinacea ‘Overdam’)—A tight,
tufted grass with showy green and white
variegated foliage. Golden floral plumes develop
in the summer adding vertical interest to the
plant. Height 3-4’, spread 2-3’.
RIBBON GRASS
Variegated Ribbon Grass
(Phalaris arundinacea var. picta)—Green and
white variegated foliage. Spreads vigorously,
making it a good ground cover. Very tolerant of
soils and growing conditions including both sun
and light shade. Height 12-18”, spread 3-5’.
SEA OATS
Northern Sea Oats
(Chasmanthium latifolium)—Bamboo-like grass with
light green leaves and showy, pendulous,
oat-like seed heads. Blooms are excellent in
arrangements. Height 2-3’, spread 12-18”.
SEDGE
Blue-Gray Sedge
(Carex glauca)—A slow spreading clump of
blue-gray grass-like foliage. Tolerate of wet
soils but does well in average growing
conditions as well. Best in filtered shade.
Height 10-12”, spread 2-3’.
Fox Red Curly Sedge
(Carex buchananii)—An unusual plant with a
unique “ever-brown” appearance. Very narrow
leaves remain cinnamon-brown throughout the
year. Makes a unique specimen for the garden
unlike anything else you will come across.
Excellent for winter effect. Height 18-24”,
2-3’.
Snowline Sedge
(Carex conica ‘Hime Kansugi’)—Loved as a garden
plant because of the brightly variegated,
evergreen foliage. Leaves are deep green with
bright white edges. Plant in good soil with
regular moisture. Light shade would be a good
idea because of our hot summers. Cut back early
in the spring. Height 8-12”, spread 12-18”.
Variegated Japanese Sedge
(Carex morrowii ‘Aurea Variegata’)—A bright and
showy selection with vivid golden-yellow and
rich green variegated foliage. Does best in
soils that don’t get too dry. Height 12-15”,
12-18”.
SILVER GRASS
Adagio Silver Grass
(Miscanthus sinensis ‘Adagio’)—Slender, silvery
foliage forms a compact, graceful clump.
Silvery-white blooms are held well above the
foliage in the fall. Height 3-4’, spread 2-3’.
Autumn Flame Grass
(Miscanthus sinensis ‘Purpurascens’)—Very
upright, almost vertical habit. Green leaves
take on a bright orange-red color in fall.
Magenta-colored fans appear early, mature to
white. Height 3-4’, spread 2-3’.
Cabaret Silvergrass
(Miscanthus sinensis ‘Cabaret’)—Copper colored
plumes appear in late summer. Wide ribbon-like
leaves have a creamy white center. Height 4-6’,
spread 4-6’.
Dwarf Maiden Grass
(Miscanthus sinensis ‘Yaku Jima’)—A compact
version of Maiden Grass. Dark green, delicate
blades form a graceful, vase-shaped clump. Early
bloomer. Height 3-4’, spread 3-5’.Dwarf
Zebra Grass
(Miscanthus sinensis ‘Little Zebra’)—Similar to
Porcupine Grass but with a smaller growth habit.
Green grass blades are banded with bright
golden-yellow. Attractive pinkish-copper flower
plumes late in the summer. Height 3-4’, spread
3-4’.
Giant Silver Grass
(Miscanthus x ‘Giganteus’)—A large form
with a more upright habit. Deep green leaves
hang from the stems creating a fountain-like
appearance. Plumes emerge late in the season to
add to the display. Height 8-10’, spread 4-5’.
Graziella Silver Grass
(Miscanthus sinensis ‘Graziella’)—This form is
similar to Maiden Grass, but with a few
improvements. Silvery plumes late in the season
are held well above the foliage making a more
dramatic display and fall color is a wonderful
burgundy-bronze. Height 5-6’, spread 4-5’.
NEW!—Little
Kitten Silver Grass
(Miscanthus sinensis ‘Little Kitten’)—A very
small form, compact in habit with narrow leaf
blades. Does not flower very heavily. Height
2-3’, spread 2-3’.
Maiden Grass
(Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’)—A very
popular form with narrow leaves and a graceful
“fountain-like” habit. Showy plumes emerge late
in the season to add to the display. Great for
winter interest in the landscape. Height 5-6’,
spread 4-5’.
Morning Light Silver Grass
(Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’)—Graceful,
fine-textured, clumping grass with pastel green
and white variegated foliage. Feathery plumes in
fall. Height 4-5’, spread 4-5’.
Porcupine Grass
(Miscanthus sinensis ‘Strictus’)—A popular,
wide-bladed variegated selection. Bright green
leaves accented with yellow bands. Stands more
erect than Zebra Grass. Height 6-8’, spread
3-5’.
Red-Silver Silver Grass
(Miscanthus sinensis ‘Rotsilber’)—The emerging
flower plumes are a dramatic metallic-red before
maturing to a silvery-white color. Slender
fine-textured foliage forms a vase shaped clump.
Height 5-7’, spread 4-5’.
Variegated Silver Grass
(Miscanthus sinensis var. variegatus)—An
old-time garden favorite. Brightly colored,
wide-bladed selection. Leaves are creamy-white,
striped with green. Tolerant of light shade.
Height 4-6’, spread 4-6’.
SILVER SPIKE GRASS
(Spodiopogon sibericus)—Also known as Frost
Grass. Compact size and a handsome habit make
this attractive grass an excellent choice. Bold,
bamboo-like foliage and airy, narrow panicles
that are held well above the foliage create a
dramatic effect when outlined with frost late in
the season. Height 4-5’, spread 3-4’.
SWITCH GRASS
Dallas Blues Switch Grass
(Panicum virgatum ‘Dallas Blues’)—Steel blue
foliage topped with pastel-mauve flower heads in
the fall. One of the best for blue color.
Extremely hardy selection. Height 6-8’, spread
3-4’.
NEW!—Dewey
Blue Bitter Switch Grass
(Panicum amarum ‘Dewey Blue’)—This North
American native is a clump-forming beach grass
found growing in dry sand dunes all along the
East Coast. This selection has blue foliage and
attractive seed plumes. Prefers dry,
well-drained soils. Height 3-4’, spread 3-4’.
Heavy Metal Switch Grass
(Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’)—Clumping, steel
blue foliage on very stiffly upright plants.
Adds a wonderful contrast to the landscape.
Height 3-4’, spread 2-3’.
Northwind Switch Grass
(Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’)—Sturdy, upright
growth with steel blue stems and olive-green
foliage. This is a taller-growing selection can
reach 6’ in height over the course of the
growing season. Use in mass plantings for
screening, privacy and background plantings.
Height 5-6’, spread 2-3’.
Shenandoah Switch Grass
(Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’)—A tough
selection of one of our native prairie grasses,
this is one of the few red-foliaged grasses
available that will survive our winters. Foliage
is tipped with deep, blood-red highlights and
seed heads share the same color late in the
season. Wonderful reddish-purple fall color.
Height 3-5’, spread 2-3’.
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