Great Grasses

Briza maxima’s delicately dangling seed clusters make a statement all their own on plants up to 30 inches tall. Right: Despite its soft bunny tails nickname, Lagurus ovatus makes a strong impact with its rounded white flower heads.

Looking for cool grasses for hot locations? Look no further than the big six, a half dozen of today’s most potential-packed tender flowering grasses.

These designer annual grasses lend texture, motion and color to any location, and they have the added benefit of rich color ranges to offer. Plus, they finish fast — just seven to 10 weeks — for big impact in little time.

You’ll find any of these sun-loving boutique grasses a great choice for mixed containers or landscapes alike. Read on to find out the choice that’s right for you and your customers.

Briza maxima
(big quaking grass)
First check out Briza maxima, also known as big quaking grass. Its decorative seed clusters (about 1-inch long each) hang pendulum-style on delicate stems that transform from chartreuse to tan as they mature. This Briza grows in an upright habit and reaches 24 to 30 inches tall.

Eragrostis tef ‘Ruby Silk’
(love grass)
Next, a grass that’s bound to appeal. Eragrostis tef (love grass) ‘Ruby Silk’ displays gorgeous, long, rich burgundy seed heads that drape gently over upright clumping foliage. This love grass grows to 18 to 24 inches tall and offers a long bloom time from summer to fall.
 

Clockwise from top left: Melinis nerviglumis Savannah’s amethyst pink plumes stand out in the landscape well into fall; Pennisetum villosum, or feathertop fountain grass, stands out with its bold, feathery plumes; Long, rich burgundy seed heads set Eragrostis tef ‘Ruby Silk’ apart from the crowd.

Lagurus ovatus
(bunny tails grass)
Don’t let the cute name of this bunny tails grass fool you. Lagurus ovatus makes a powerful statement alone or in combinations. Its irresistible puffy white flowers (thus the name) grow extremely upright above neat green foliage blades. Drought tolerant and easy to grow, L. ovatus is great for borders or the front of gardens, reaching just 12 to 18 inches.

Panicum elegans ‘Frosted Explosion’
(switch grass)
For a big burst of texture, the choice is Panicum elegans ‘Frosted Explosion.’ Long, green strap-like leaves make an impact of their own, but the real stars here are the unique airy white plumes that shoot in all directions from the plant. High impact and high appeal, this switch grass grows to about 25 to 30 inches tall.

Pennisetum villosum
(feathertop fountain grass)
This fountain grass explodes with potential. Also known as feathertop, Pennisetum villosum features long, feathery, ivory-white plumes that cover the plant profusely from late summer through fall. Paired with an attractive, clumping, sprawling habit and a 24- to 30-inch plant, you’ve got a sure winner for pots or landscapes.

Melinis nerviglumis ‘Savannah’
(ruby grass)
Rounding out the six pack: Melinis nerviglumis ‘Savannah’ is a gem of a ruby grass that shines with showy, beautiful, amethyst-pink flowers that open up into attractive fluffy plumes. Blooms carry well into fall. Excellent as a container and garden specimen at 18 to 24 inches tall, use ‘Savannah’ as an annual or fall display in colder climates. It works great grown singly or in groups.

Mix and maximize
Looking for some new mixed combination ideas to try? These flowering annual grasses make great choices for high-impact containers and landscapes. A few thoughts to get you going:

Panicum elegans ‘Frosted Explosion’ features distinct, airy plumes that pop with impact.

Try Panicum elegans ‘Frosted Explosion’ with Duranta erecta ‘Cuban Gold’ and Penstemon ‘Pike’s Peak Purple.’

Pair Melinis nerviglumis ‘Savannah’ with Gaura ‘Blushing Butterflies,’ Pennisetum ‘Princess Caroline’ and ajuga.

Put Pennisetum villosum with Leucanthemum ‘Becky,’ Agastache ‘Black Adder’ and Veronica ‘Whitewater.’

Easy impact
Remember, part of the appeal of these flowering annual grasses also stems from their simple growing characteristics. They finish fast and easy with lots of color and texture that shines and sells.

If you’re thinking about growing these grasses, here are a few guidelines. Produce in well-drained media with a pH of 5.8-6.2 and EC of 0.75 to 1.2. Give them constant liquid feed at low levels of 100 to 150 ppm nitrogen, or a slow release at 1 pound nitrogen per yard. Provide 65-75 degree F (days) and 55-65 degree F (nights). No major maintenance or special growing considerations. Just great grasses with hot colors and high impact in a mere seven to 10 weeks.

Cheri Markowitz is the sales manager for Emerald Coast Growers, www.ecgrowers.com.