Miscanthus sinensis Andersson [Eulalia japonica Trinius]
Miscanthus, eulalia, Japanese silver grass, susuki The classic garden miscanthus, native to slopes in the lowlands and mountains of Japan, from Hokkaido south through Yaku Island and the Ryukyus to Taiwan, also the southern Kuriles, Korea, and China. Clump-forming. Leaves typically deep green with white midribs. The typical form of the species is actually uncommon in cultivation, usually supplanted by cultivated varieties. Generally blooms late in the season, from August into October, or not at all in cooler climates. Inflorescences are heavily branched, full, and dense, with numerous racemes usually opening red or pink-suffused and drying to silver-white. In temperate climates the foliage turns pleasing shades of yellow and amber in autumn. Stouter plants, more common near seashores, have been distinguished botanically as Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus and are treated under a separate entry following this species.
In gardens, Miscanthus sinensis is represented by a myriad of cultivated varieties differing significantly in size, height, texture, summer and autumn foliage color, flowering times and colors, and cold hardiness. The following are among the best or most widely available. All prefer full sun unless otherwise noted. Heights given are flowering heights for mature specimens under best conditions; many grow much smaller in colder or drier conditions. Fall color is golden yellow unless noted. All are hardy to Zone 6 unless otherwise noted.
'Adagio'. A compact selection by Kurt Bluemel, similar to 'Yaku Jima', but superior for its consistent production of inflorescences that extend beyond the tops of the foliage. Leaves green, very narrow, turning yellow in autumn. Grows to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall when blooming in August. Inflorescences open with red tints. A fine-textured choice for smaller landscapes.
'Aethiopien'. A small, slow-growing selection with strong burgundy-red foliage tints in autumn. An Ernst Pagels selection.
'Altweibersommer' (Indian summer). Blooms in late summer or early autumn, with inflorescences to 7 feet (2.1 m) tall. An Ernst Pagels selection.
'Andante'. Blooms from mid to late summer with especially large inflorescences held well above the foliage, reaching to 7 feet (2.1 m) high, and opening pink-suffused but quickly turning translucent silver. Leaves narrow, green. A distinctly attractive Kurt Bluemel selection.
'Arabesque'. Compact, to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall when flowering in mid summer. A Kurt Bluemel selection.
'Autumn Light'. Tall growing, to 8 feet (2.4 m) when flowering in late summer. More cold hardy than typical. Zone 4.
'Blondo'. Medium-coarse textured, to 6 feet (1.8 m) tall. More cold hardy than typical. Zone 4.
'Blutenwunder' (blooming wonder). An early bloomer, reliably flowering in northern regions. To 7 feet (2.1 m).
'Bronceturm' (bronze tower). Leaves broad, overall texture very coarse. Tall growing, to 9 feet (2.7 m). Flowers open copper-bronze in mid summer, not elevated much above the foliage. An Ernst Pagels selection. Propagate by division.
'Dixieland'. Leaves with white longitudinal stripes. Much more compact than 'Variegatus', growing 4 to 5 feet (1.2-1.5 m) tall.
'Ernst Pagels'. Very upright and lower growing than typical. Named by Karl Partsch in honor of Ernst Pagels.
'Ferne Osten' (far east). One of the most distinct Ernst Pagels selections, with flowers opening deep red in mid to late summer. Slightly wider leaves than 'Gracillimus'.
'Flamingo'. Narrowly upright with loosely open inflorescences opening pink-tinted in late summer, to 6 feet (1.8 m) tall. An Ernst Pagels selection.
'Gold Bar'. This distinctive, patented selection by Joy Creek Nursery of Scappoose, Oregon, is compact, growing only 4 to 5 feet (1.2-1.5 m) tall, and has the most conspicuous zebra-striped foliage of any cultivar introduced to date. Originated in the mid-1990s as a seedling in the nursery.
'Goldfeder' (gold feather). Still one of the most beautiful of the longitudinally variegated miscanthus, with leaves striped golden yellow. Hans Simon of Germany named this cultivar in the late 1950s from a sport on his well-known selection 'Silberfeder'. It is similar to 'Silberfeder' in being somewhat open growing, with mid-summer inflorescences held well above the foliage, to 7 feet (2.1 m) tall. In warm climates the variegation darkens to light yellow-green by late summer.
'Gracillimus'. Maiden grass. One of the oldest and perhaps the best known of all the miscanthus cultivars, valued for its fine-textured foliage and gracefully rounded overall form. It is among the last to bloom, with copper-red inflorescences opening in late September or October, or not at all in regions with a short growing season. To 7 feet (2.1 m) tall.Seedlings of 'Gracil-limus' are often indistinguishable from the parent, and this cultivar has been propagated both by seed and division over the decades. It is not a clonal cultivar. Plants purchased as 'Gracillimus' should have narrow leaves, rounded form, and late-season reddish flowers, but they may not all be identical. Young plants stand up well, but old specimens tend to become floppy, especially when grown in shade or in soil that is too moist or high in fertility. Though many earlier-blooming, green narrow-leaved alternatives to 'Gracillimus' are available, not all possess the graceful rounded form. Zone 5.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Adagio' in early October at Kurt Bluemel Nurseries in Maryland.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Bronceturm' flowers open red-tinted in late August at Ernst Pa-gels's nursery in northern Germany.
A young plant of Miscanthus sinensis 'Flamingo' blooms in mid August in Germany.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Ferne Osten' opens deep red in mid August at Knoll Gardens near Wimborne, England
Miscanthus sinensis 'Ferne Osten' begins turning silver in late August at the Royal Horticultural Society's garden, Wisley, in Surrey, England.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Gold Bar'. Photo courtesy Joy Creek Nursery.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Goldfeder' in late August at the Westpark in Munich, Germany.
Detail of Miscanthus sinensis 'Goldfeder' foliage in late August.
The rounded form and fine texture of Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus' make an elegant backdrop for a flower border at Wave Hill in New York in mid July.
'Graziella'. Blooms in August or early September, the inflorescences held high above the foliage, and quickly turning silvery and very fluffy when dry. To 7 feet (2.1 m) tall. Slightly more upright in form than 'Gracillimus'. The narrow foliage often turns rich copper-red and orange in autumn. An especially refined selection by Ernst Pagels. Propagate by division. Zone 5.
'Grosse Fontane' (large fountain). Blooms mid summer, with large plumose inflorescences to 8 feet (2.4 m) tall. An Ernst Pagels selection. Zone 5.
'Helga Reich'. Similar in texture to 'Gracillimus' but slightly narrower in form, blooming earlier with flowers quickly becoming silvery translucent.
'Hinjo'. Similar to 'Zebrinus', with zebra-striped variegation, but smaller in all respects, to 6 feet (1.8 m) tall. Sturdy and upright, not prone to lodging as is 'Zebrinus'. Often sold with the name Little Nicky™.
'Huron Sunrise'. A very cold hardy selection by Canadian Martin Quinn. Red-tinted inflorescences in late summer. Plant patent applied for (PPAF). Zone 4.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Graziella' turns deep copper-red in early November at Kurt Bluemel Nurseries in Maryland.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Helga Reich' at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, Wisconsin, in late October.
'Juli' (July). Upright and coarse-textured, with broad leaves spaced far apart on the stems. An Ernst Pagels selection.
'Kaskade' (cascade). The flowering best of Ernst Pagels's selections have exceptionally plumose inflorescences, and this is one of those. Blooms relatively early, typically by August.
'Kleine Fontane' (little fountain). A fine-textured compact selection by Ernst Pagels that still manages to put on a good flowering display. To 5 feet (1.5 m) tall.
'Kleine Silberspinne' (little silver spider). A fine-textured upright-growing compact selection by Ernst Pagels.
'Little Kitten'. Dwarf maiden grass. This really does look like 'Gracillimus' in miniature. Even mature plants barely reach 4 feet (1.2 m) height in flower. Much smaller than 'Adagio' or 'Yaku Jima' and ideal for small spaces. A selection of Japanese origin. Zone 5.
'Little Zebra'. Dwarf zebra grass. This is currently the most compact of the zebra-striped cultivars, growing barely 4 feet (1.2 m) tall in bloom. A patented selection by Thomas Walsh of Michigan.
'Malepartus'. Another of Ernst Pagels's distinctive selections, resembling 'Gracillimus' but blooming a month earlier with plumose inflorescences that quickly turn from red to silver. Often has red or orange autumn color. Zone 5.
'Morning Light'. Among the most refined, elegant of all miscanthus. Very much like 'Gracillimus', with neatly rounded form, but with leaf margins cleanly and uniformly white-variegated. Known to cultivation in Japan for a century or more and introduced to Western gardens in 1976 by the U.S. National Arboretum from plants obtained from Japanese variegated plant specialist Masato Yokoi. The name 'Morning Light' was applied by Kurt Bluemel. Not inclined to be floppy like 'Gracillimus' and stands up even in light shade. Zone 5.
'Nippon'. Compact and narrowly upright to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall, blooming in mid summer. Sometimes with orange-red autumn color. An Ernst Pagels selection. Zone 5.
'November Sunset'. Narrow-leaved and late blooming, to 8 feet (2.4 m) tall with flowers opening red-tinted. A Kurt Bluemel selection. Zone 5.
'Positano'. Fine-textured and narrowly graceful, often with pronounced orange-red autumn color. Blooms in late summer, to 6 feet (1.8 m) tall. An Ernst Pagels selection. Zone 5.
'Punktchen' (little dot). Upright, with distinctly spiky foliage texture. The leaves are zebra-striped but not as conspicuously as 'Gold Bar' or others. An Ernst Pagels selection.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Kaskade' in late August at the Royal Horticultural Society's garden, Wisley, in Surrey, England.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Kleine Fontane' in late August in a public park planting by Hans Simon in Marktheidenfeld, Germany.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Kitten' with red-leaved Itea virginica 'Henry's Garnet' in northern Delaware in mid October.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Zebra' in late October at Hoffman Nursery in Rougemont, North Carolina.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Malepartus' opens red in mid August at Knoll Gardens near Wimborne, England.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Malepartus' in a groundcover of goldenrod Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks' at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Illinois in early October.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light' has narrow leaves with white margins.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light' is appreciably brighter than other greens in Beth Chatto's garden in Colchester, England, in late July and provides a contrasting backdrop for Penstemon 'Dazzler'.
The characteristic form and graceful line of Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light' are set off in this elegant composition at Wave Hill in New York in mid September.
Gently luminous, Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light' frames a walkway at the Bel-levue Botanic Garden in Washington State in mid August.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Punktchen' and Verbena bonariensis in enclosed garden space mulched with gravel and blue glass at Merriments Gardens in East Sussex, England, in late July.
'Rigoletto'. Similar to 'Variegatus', with leaves longitudinally white-striped, but much more compact, typically less than 5 feet (1.5 m) tall. A Kurt Bluemel selection. Zone 5.
'Roland'. Coarse-textured, with relatively broad leaves. Blooms in mid summer, to 8 feet (2.4 m) tall. An Ernst Pagels selection.
'Roterpfeil' (red arrow). Inflorescences open with red tints. Often has good red color in autumn. An Ernst Pagels selection.
'Sarabande'. Similar to 'Gracillimus'. Inflorescences open with gold tints in late summer. Very cold hardy. Zone 4.
'Seahorses'. An unusual selection from Mesker Nursery in the Netherlands with deep red-pink inflorescences that are coiled in the upper portion, very much resembling the form of a seahorse. Zone 5.
'Silberfeder' (silver feather). Inflorescences held unusually high above the foliage, opening with very little red color and quickly becoming silvery and featherlike. Grows to 7 feet (2.1 m) tall and is somewhat lax-stemmed. Selected in the early 1950s in Germany by Hans Simon. Free-flowering and very cold hardy. Zone 4.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Rigoletto' in late August in England.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Roland' (background) and M. oligostachyus (foreground) are dramatically different in texture and scale in late August at the Royal Horticultural Society's garden, Wisley, in Surrey, England
Miscanthus sinensis 'Silberfeder' is sidelit by the late-September sun at Wave Hill in New York.
'Silberpfeil' (silver arrow). Almost impossible to distinguish from 'Variegatus' and often confused with it in commerce.
'Silberspinne' (silver spider). Fine-textured and upright. Flowers opening silver with red-pink tints in mid summer, on inflorescences to 6 feet (1.8 m) tall. A graceful Ernst Pa-gels introduction.
'Silberturm' (silver tower). Tall-growing, to 9 feet (2.7 m), with inflorescences towering above the foliage. An Ernst Pa-gels selection.
'Strictus' ('Zebrinus Strictus'). Porcupine grass. Similar to 'Zebrinus' but reliably more upright. The foliage is also more erect, resulting in a spiky effect and increasing the visibility of the variegation. Zone 5.
'Undine'. Similar to 'Graziella' but slightly taller. An Ernst Pagels selection. Zone 5.
'Variegatus'. Leaves longitudinally white-striped. An antique cultivar which is still one of the whitest in overall appearance. Blooms in late summer, to 7 feet (2.1 m) tall, with inflorescences strongly red-tinted. Zone 5.
'Wetterfahne' (weathervane). The relatively short, broad leaves are held almost horizontally, looking something like a weathervane. Blooms in mid summer, to 8 feet (2.4 m) tall, with inflorescences tinted red-pink at first. An Ernst Pagels selection.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Silberspinne' begins to bloom in late August at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in England.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Silber-turm' flowers are 9 feet (2.7 m) tall in mid October at Kurt Bluemel Nurseries in Maryland.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Undine' inflorescences are drying and luminous in mid October at Kurt Bluemel Nurseries in Maryland.
A mature specimen of Miscanthus sinensis 'Variega-tus' in Beth Chatto's garden in Colchester, England, in late July.
Miscanthus sinen-sis 'Strictus' is naturally sidelit by late-August sun in southern Germany.
A young plant of Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus' at Great Dixter in Northiam, England, in mid July
Miscanthus sinensis 'Wetter-fahne' in late August at Ernst Pagels's nursery in northern Germany.
'Yaku Jima'. Not really a clonal cultivar, but something of a catchall name for compact, narrow-leaved plants that look like 'Gracillimus' except for their smaller size. Such forms are common on the Japanese island of Yaku (also known as Yaku Jima). Seeds from this island were originally introduced to the United States by the U.S. National Arboretum.
'Zebrinus'. Zebra grass. Leaves with irregularly spaced horizontal bands of yellow variegation commonly referred to as zebra-striped. This antique cultivar is inclined to lax growth and flopping, and the variegation is not as closely spaced or conspicuous as some of the more recent selections such as 'Gold Bar'. Grows to 8 feet (2.4 m) tall, with copper-red-tinted flowers in late summer. Zone 5.
'Zwergelefant' (dwarf elephant). Compact, with leaves relatively broad and overall texture somewhat coarse. Grows to 6 feet (1.8 m) when flowering in mid to late summer. An Ernst Pagels selection.
Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus (Hackel) Makino [Miscanthus condensatus Hackel]
Hachijo susuki
Taller, more robust, and with wider leaves than typical Mis-canthus sinensis, this botanical variety most frequently occurs in coastal areas in Japan, including Hachijo island off Honshu, but is also found at higher elevations in Japan as well as in Korea, China, Indochina, and the Pacific islands. It has been recognized as a separate species by some taxono-mists. Plants representing this botanical variety are sometimes labeled 'Condensatus', implying cultivar status, but this is incorrect. Blooms in late summer, opening red-copper tinted. Foliage often produces an extra flush of growth late in autumn, and remains green longer in winter than the typical variety. Zone 5.
'Cabaret'. Arguably the boldest of all the variegated miscanthus, with leaves inches (32 mm) wide, cream white in the center with uniformly dark green margins. Requires a long hot season to flower, but is worth growing for foliage alone. Blooms in very late summer or early autumn, with flowers opening copper-pink to 9 feet (2.7 m) tall. The flowering stems are typically suffused deep pink during cool days of late summer and fall. Discovered by Kokin Watanabe of Japan and introduced to the United States in 1976 by the U.S. National Arboretum from plants obtained from Ma-sato Yokoi. The name 'Cabaret' was applied by Kurt Bluemel. Rarely if ever produces viable seed. Tolerant of light shade.
'Cosmo Revert'. This name is often used to refer to solid green reversions of 'Cosmopolitan', which occur with some frequency.
'Cosmopolitan'. Very much like 'Cabaret' except the pattern of variegation is reversed: the leaf centers are mostly green and the margins are variegated creamy white. Often has secondary stripes. Blooms more freely and slightly earlier than 'Cabaret', with flowers opening copper-red in late summer, reaching a height of up to 10 feet (3 m). Originally found in Japan in the 1940s by Toyoichi Aoki of Tokyo. The U.S. National Arboretum obtained plants from Masato Yokoi and introduced material to the United States in 1976. The name 'Cosmopolitan was applied by Kurt Bluemel.
Magnificently mature specimens of Miscanthus sinensis 'Yaku Jima' in mid October at Kurt Bluemel Nurseries in Maryland.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Ze-brinus' foliage is more relaxed than that of 'Strictus'.
Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus in late August in native habitat in coastal Honshu, Japan.
A young plant of Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus 'Cabaret' at the Delaware Center for Horticulture in Wilmington in early September, next to a recycled baluster from an historic Wilmington bridge.
Miscanthus sinen-sis var. condensatus 'Cabaret' in late June at Seaside Gardens in Carpinteria, California.
Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus 'Cabaret' leaves are white in the center with green margins.
Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus 'Cosmopolitan' leaves are mostly green in the center with white margins.
Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus 'Cosmopolitan' is more than 8 feet (2.4 m) tall in mid September in Maryland.
A young plant of Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus 'Cosmopolitan' is set against dark beech foliage in late August in Germany.
These stalks of Miscanthus tinctorius have been harvested to make dye. They are from plants grown from seed collected in the mountains in Miyama-cho, Japan
Miscanthus transmorrisonensis in mid October at Kurt Bluemel Nurseries in Maryland.
Miscanthus tinctorius (Steudel) Hackel
Kari yasu
Uncommon in cultivation outside Japan, this species is native to mountains on Japan's central island, Honshu, where it was traditionally highly valued as a thatching reed. The specific epithet tinctorius means of dyes, and this plant can be used in the making of chrome-yellow dye. The species closely resembles Miscanthus oligostachyus but is narrower and more upright in form, growing to 4 feet (1.2 m) in height. Inflorescences are narrow, less branched, and much less plumose than M. sinensis. Leaves are typically sold green and up to V inch (13 mm) wide. The name 'Nanus Variegatus' has been used to refer to more than one compact Japanese selection with longitudinally variegated leaves. Some plants offered under this name may actually be M. oligostachyus. Zone 6.
Miscanthus transmorrisonensis Hayata
Evergreen miscanthus, Taiwanese miscanthus Introduced to Western horticulture in 1979 from Taiwan by Paul Meyer of the Morris Arboretum and C. Ferris Miller of Chollipo Arboretum, who collected seed of plants growing at 9500 feet (2900 m) elevation on Mount Daxue. This species is frequent on exposed mountain slopes at medium to high altitudes throughout the island of Taiwan. It is closely related to Miscanthus sinensis but horticulturally quite distinct, with narrow green foliage rarely topping 3 feet (90 cm) and late July or early August flowers held high above the foliage on long graceful stems. The foliage often stays green into late December as far north as Zone 6, and is fully evergreen in England, northern Europe, and Southern California if provided sufficient moisture. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 6.
Molinia Shrank
Grass family, Poaceae
Purple moor grass, moor grass The genus name commemorates Juan Ignacio Molina (17401829), who studied the natural history of Chile. Comprises two to five species native to wet, open habitats, typically heaths and moorlands, in temperate Eurasia. All are perennial, cool-season growers and are strictly clump-forming.
The only commonly cultivated species, Molinia caerulea, is usually separated into two subspecies, which differ most obviously in their size. The typical subspecies, M. caerulea subsp. caerulea, is referred to simply as moor grass or purple moor grass and is represented by plants that grow 2 to 4 feet (60120 cm) tall when flowering. Tall purple moor grass, M. caerulea subsp. arundinacea, is represented by plants that grow up to 8 feet (2.4 m) tall. In the past, various taxonomic botanists classified the taller plants as a separate species rather than a subspecies, using the names M. arundinacea, M. litoralis, and M. altissima.
One variegated purple moor grass is prized for its foliage. The others are essentially green plants valued for their strong architectural forms and airy inflorescences. The purple moor grasses have long been prized by European gardeners for their line, form, and luminous qualities, but they are still underappreciated in North America, with the exception of the variegated form. As gardeners and landscape designers continue to develop an eye for the sculptural beauty of green grasses, the Molinia species and cultivars are certain to become more widely used.
Very cold hardy, they grow best in cool-temperate climates with regularly available moisture and cool summer nights; however, they are a broadly adaptable group and offer satisfying performance and long life in a wide range of conditions. Cultivated varieties of both subspecies have been selected primarily for variations in flowering form. Some are nearly vertical in stance, and others have inflorescences bending so strongly that some stems are nearly horizontal. Though green during the growing season, all acquire vivid autumn tones of amber and gold before going fully dormant in winter.
Molinia caerulea (Linnaeus) Moench
Purple moor grass Native to moist, sunny, open habitats including moors, bogs, fens, mountain grasslands, and lakeshores in temperate Eurasia. Clump-forming, producing a low mound of basal foliage with leaves to 3/s inch (9 mm) wide. The foliage and flowering stems are green during the growing season but turn bright golden yellow in autumn. Flowering is relatively late among cool-season grasses, typically occurring in mid summer, with narrow panicles held well above the foliage on slender stalks which may be upright or arching. Overall height varies with seedlings and cultivars from 2 to 4 feet (60-120 cm). Plants bloom most fully in climates with cooler summer night temperatures. The flower spikelets are typically green-purple, due mostly to the color of the exposed anthers; however, the flowers of some plants are amber-gold. Best in full sun with regular moisture but will grow well in light shade, especially in sunnier regions. Tolerant of a range of acidic or alkaline conditions. Propagate by seed, or by division in spring. Zone 4.
'Dauerstrahl' (enduring ray). Green-leaved and upright-divergent, 2% to 4 feet (75-120 cm) tall in flower.
'Edith Dudszus'. Green-leaved and upright-divergent, 2% to 4 feet (75-120 cm) tall in flower.
'Heidebraut' (heather bride). Green-leaved and narrowly upright-divergent, 2% to 4 feet (75-120 cm) tall in flower.
'Moorflamme' (moor flame). Green-leaved and upright-divergent, 2% to 3% feet (75-105 cm).
'Moorhexe' (moor witch). Green-leaved and narrowly upright, 2% to 4 feet (75-120 cm) tall in flower.
'Rotschopf' (red tuft). Upright-divergent, 2% to 4 feet (75-120 cm) tall in flower, with green foliage increasingly suffused dark red later in the growing season.
'Strahlenquelle' (source of rays). Green-leaved and widely arching, 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) tall in flower.
'Variegata'. Arching and rounded in form, with leaves vividly yellow and cream-white striped, 2 to 2% feet (60-75 cm) tall in flower. Zone 5.
Molinia caeru-lea 'Dauerstrahl' in late August at the Berggarten in Hanover, Germany.
Mo-linia caerulea 'Edith Dudszus' in late August at the Royal Horticultural Society's garden, Wisley, in Surrey, England.
Molinia caerulea 'Heidebraut' in late August at the Royal Horticultural Society's garden, Wisley, in Surrey, England.
Molinia caerulea 'Moor-hexe' in northern Germany in late August.
Molinia caerulea 'Strahlenquelle' in late August at the Sichtungsgarten in Weihen-stephan, Germany
Mo-linia caerulea 'Variegata' in mid July at the Royal Horticultural Society's garden, Wisley, in Surrey, England.
Molinia caerulea 'Varie-gata' in northern Germany in late August.
Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea (Schrank) H. Paul
[Molinia arundinacea Schrank, M. litoralis Host, M. altissima Link]
Tall purple moor grass
Native to moist, sunny, open habitats in temperate Eurasia including moors, bogs, fens, mountain grasslands, and river margins. Differs from the typical subspecies primarily in size, usually producing mounded basal foliage 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) high topped by inflorescences held high above the foliage, to 8 feet (2.4 m) tall. Leaves are up to % inch (12 mm) wide and green or slightly gray-green during the growing season. The entire plant turns rich golden yellow in autumn.
Few grasses rival the stately drama of tall purple moor grass, which combines strong sculptural form with graceful response to summer breezes. Many of the named culti-vars are similar to one another; however, the extremes are quite distinct. They vary in the relative stance of the flowering stems, which may be nearly vertical or strongly arching. Some bloom very heavily, producing dense masses of flowering stalks, and others have fewer stalks that result in a "see-through" quality. All are most effective when sidelit or back-lit by the sun, especially when positioned against a contrasting background. Though ultimately large, this grass requires two or three seasons to reach mature size. It is worth the wait, since all purple moor grasses are long-lived and highly durable.
Prefers sun and regular moisture but is adapted to a wide range of soil types. Grows best in climates with cooler night temperatures. Excessive summer heat and humidity encourage disfiguring foliar rust diseases. The flowering stems usually remain upright and attractive through autumn, then begin to disintegrate, at which time plants may be cut back. All cultivars are green-leaved. Zone 4.
'Bergfreund' (mountain friend). Upright-arching and somewhat open, to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall in flower. A Karl Partsch selection.
'Karl Foerster'. Perhaps the oldest cultivar still available and still among the best, honoring German nurseryman and grass pioneer Karl Foerster. Mostly upright and slightly arching, to 7 feet (2.1 m) tall in flower.
'Skyracer'. A distinct Kurt Bluemel selection, narrowly upright and up to 7 feet (2.1 m) tall.
'Stafa'. Mostly upright, fine-textured, to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall in flower. Named for the Swiss city.
'Transparent'. Arching and fine-textured, with a transparent quality resulting from slender inflorescences and their positioning high above the foliage on unbranched stems. To 6 feet (1.8 m) tall in flower. A Karl Partsch selection.
'Windspiel' (wind's game). Mostly upright, to 7 feet (2.1 m) tall in flower, with supple flowering stalks that are especially responsive to the wind.
'Zuneigung' (affection, inclination). Broadly arching, to 6 feet (1.8 m) tall in flower, with equal spread. A distinct selection by Karl Partsch. The flowering stems become heavily laden with seeds, and the tips become quite pendulous.
Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Bergfreund' in late August in a community park planting by Hans Simon in Mark-theidenfeld, Germany.
Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Karl Foerster' is exquisitely sidelit by early September sun at the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, D.C.
Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Skyracer' turns gold in early November in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Transparent' in mid August in a planting by Hans Simon in Germany.
Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Skyracer' fades from gold to amber but is still colorfully sculptural in mid November at Chanticleer in Wayne, Pennsylvania.
Muhlenbergia Schreber Grass family, Poaceae Muhly
Named for botanist G. H. E. Muhlenberg (1753-1815), a specialist in grasses, this genus includes approximately 155 mostly perennial species native to open, frequently arid or semiarid habitats in the Western Hemisphere. The majority occur in the southern United States and Mexico, where they are often important range grasses.
Muhly grasses were uncommon in gardens until recently, but are quickly gaining in popularity for their beauty and utility. Many of them have attractive, fine-textured basal foliage in shades of green to glaucous blue, topped by airy inflorescences, some of which are strongly colored pink, purple-red, or purple-gray. Most are extremely drought tolerant and are ideal choices for water-conserving designs in hot, dry regions. Although the selection and commercial availability are much greater than they were a decade ago, the diversity of Muhlenbergia species holds even greater promise for the future. A few of the species are wide-ranging, and provenance will likely prove an important factor in selecting plants with greater cold hardiness for garden use.
All are warm-season growers and most are effectively clump-forming. They are of easy culture in full sun on a range of soils. In cooler regions, well-drained soil is essential to good health and winter hardiness.
Muhlenbergia capillaris (Lamarck) Trinius [Muhlenbergia capillaris var. filipes (M. A. Curtis) Chapman ex Beal, M. filipes M. A. Curtis] Pink muhly, pink hair grass, Gulf muhly, purple muhly This spectacularly pink-flowered species is native in the West Indies, eastern Mexico, and much of the southeastern United States from Texas to Florida and north to Kansas, Indiana, and Massachusetts, though it is increasingly uncommon in the northern parts of its range. It grows in a variety of habitats and soil types, from rocky or clay soils to sandy soils and from open woodlands and savannahs to wet, sandy pine woods and bogs in coastal areas. Plants of southeastern coastal habitats have in the past been segregated as a botanical variety, Muhlenbergia capillaris var. filipes, or even as a species, M. filipes; however, there is no clear delineation and the modern consensus is that all belong to one wide-ranging, somewhat variable species: M. capillaris.
This is the most ornamental of the muhly grasses, producing a neat mound of rich green glossy basal foliage overtopped by masses of delicately branched flower panicles in late summer or early autumn that look like pink clouds. Clump-forming, to 3 feet (90 cm) tall when blooming. Best in full sun but tolerant of very light shade in hotter regions. Extremely drought tolerant. Propagate by seed, or by division in spring. Winter hardiness varies with plants of different provenance. The hardiest are reliable in Zone 6.
Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Windspiel' in late August at the Sichtungsgarten in Weihenstephan, Germany.
Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Zuneigung' in late August at the Royal Horticultural Society's garden, Wisley, in Surrey, England.
'Lenca'. Deep pink flowers. Selected by Mountain States Nursery of Arizona and marketed with the name Regal Mist™.
'White Cloud'. A remarkably attractive white form of a grass known for its pink color. From Superior Trees in Florida.
Muhlenbergia dubia Fournier ex Hemsley Pine muhly
Native to steep slopes, canyons, and rocky hills at elevations up to 7000 feet (2100 m) in western Texas, New Mexico, and northern Mexico. A densely tufted clump-former. Leaves light green, fine-textured. Blooms August to November, the inflorescences relatively narrow, 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) in height, opening purplish gray and fading quickly to light cream color. Drought-tolerant. Prefers full sun. Propagate by seed, or by division in spring. Zone 7.
An especially fine form of Muhlenbergia capillaris in mid October at Hoffman Nursery in Rougemont, North Carolina.
Muhlenbergia capillaris 'White Cloud' in mid October at Hoffman Nursery in North Carolina.
Pink-flowered Muhlenbergia capillaris and white-flowered M. capillaris 'White Cloud' in mid October at Hoffman Nursery in North Carolina
Muhlenber-gia dubia in mid November at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas.
Muhlenbergia dubioides C. O. Goodding
Southwestern muhly, weeping muhly Native to canyons and rocky slopes in southern Arizona. Clump-forming, with basal foliage in a draping mound. Inflorescences narrow, purplish-gray, erect, to 3 feet (90 cm) tall. Drought-tolerant. Prefers full sun. Zone 7.
Muhlenbergia dumosa Scribner ex Vasey
Bamboo muhly Native to rocky canyon slopes and valleys at low and middle elevations from Arizona into southern Mexico. Unlike most muhly grasses, this billowy species has erect or arching stems to 4 feet (1.2 m) that are finely branched and have narrow leaves that lack broad blades. The overall texture is exceptionally fine and quite bamboolike, with a strong resemblance to some Chusquea species. The stems are supple and move gracefully with the slightest breeze. Increases slowly by creeping rhizomes. The flower panicles are numerous but are very short and visually insignificant.
Drought-tolerant, but not as much as the true desert species. Looks best with occasional moisture. An ideal textural complement to cacti and other bold-textured succulents. In regions where it is not cold hardy, it can be grown in a pot outdoors in summer and overwintered in a cold frame or greenhouse. Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 8.
Set out for seasonal display, large potted specimens of Muhlenbergia dumosa enliven a courtyard in mid September at Chanticleer in Wayne, Pennsylvania.
Muhlenbergia dumosa in mid December at the University of California Botanical Garden, Berkeley.
Muhlenbergia dumosa is the perfect textural foil for a pot-grown Agave at Peckerwood Gardens in Texas in mid November.
Muhlenbergia emersleyi Vasey Bullgrass
Native to rocky slopes, woods, canyons, and ravines in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Clumping, with medium-textured gray-green foliage in a dense basal mound. Blooms in late summer or early autumn with mostly upright flowering stalks to 3 feet (90 cm) tall. The inflorescences are red-purple or gray-purple and dense, not airy like pink muhly, Muhlen-bergia capillaris. Very drought tolerant. Best in full sun or very light shade. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 7.
'Lenem'. Red-purple flowers. Selected by Mountain States Nursery of Arizona and marketed with the name El Toro™.
Muhlenbergia involuta Swallen
Edwards Plateau muhly Native to rocky prairies and uplands, usually near small streams, only on the Edwards Plateau of Texas. Clump-forming, with green basal foliage. Blooms in late summer or early autumn. Inflorescences are loose and airy, much like Muhlenbergia capillaris, to 4 feet (1.2 m) tall. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 7.
Muhlenbergia lindheimeri Hitchcock
Lindheimer's muhly The common and botanical names commemorate Jacob Ferdinand Lindheimer (1801-1879), who devoted many years to the study of the Texas flora. Native on sandy and rocky, often calcareous soils in open habitats in Mexico and Texas. A uniquely handsome clump-former with fine-textured, semi-evergreen blue-gray basal foliage and upright inflorescences to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall. The form, both in foliage and when blooming, is reminiscent of Calamagrostis xacutiflora. Tolerant of drought and summer heat. Blooms in late summer or early autumn, the light purplish-gray inflorescences fading to tan and lasting mostly through winter. Prefers full sun but tolerates very light shade in warmer climates. Propagate by seed or division. If provided with well-drained soil and protected from waterlogged winter conditions, it is hardy to Zone 6.
'Lenli'. A selection by Mountain States Nursery of Arizona marketed with the name Autumn Glow™.
Muhlenbergia involuta in mid November at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas.
Muhlenbergia lind-heimeri basal foliage in mid July in the author's Pennsylvania garden.
Muhlenbergia lindheimeri blooming in mid October in the author's Pennsylvania garden.
Muhlenbergia pubescens (Humboldt, Bonpland & Kunth) Hitchcock
Soft muhly, blue muhly, Mexican muhly Native to open, arid habitats in Mexico's Sonoran Desert region, this distinct species forms a mound of soft blue-gray to gray-green foliage 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm) high, which is overtopped in late summer by pale purple inflorescences to 4 feet (1.2 m) in height. The foliage is mostly evergreen and the clumps maintain an attractive appearance without being cut back annually. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Very drought tolerant. Not tolerant of excessive moisture. An uncommonly grown species that truly deserves more attention in water-conserving designs for warm climates. Zone 8.
Muhlenbergia racemosa (Michaux) Britton, Sterns & Poggenberg
Marsh muhly
Native to moist prairies, seasonally wet meadows, stream-banks, and other generally moist, sunny, open habitats from Manitoba to Alberta, and from Michigan and Indiana to Washington and south to Oklahoma and Arizona. Unlike so many muhly grasses from arid regions, this species likes moisture. It is a good choice for naturalizing in moist meadows. Leaves green. Blooms at the beginning of summer, 3 to 4 feet (90-120 cm) tall in flower. Propagate by seed, or by division in spring. Zone 4.
Muhlenbergia pubescens in early December at Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas, California.
Muhlenbergia racemosa begins blooming in mid June in a Minnesota prairie.
Muhlenbergia reverchonii Vasey & Scribner Seep muhly
Native to limestone soils and seep areas in Texas and Oklahoma. Clump-forming, with green, densely tufted basal foliage. Inflorescences in late summer or early autumn to 30 inches (75 cm) tall, open and airy, resembling Muhlenbergia capillaris in form and texture. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 6.
Muhlenbergia rigens (Bentham) Hitchcock Deergrass
Native to a wide variety of habitats including gravelly or sandy washes, moist sandy slopes, and open forests at low to middle elevations in Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Texas, California and south into Mexico. Clump-forming, with semievergreen gray-green leaves forming a large basal mound. Narrow whiplike inflorescences to 5 feet (1.5 m) are produced in late summer, soon drying to light straw color and remaining upright and attractive long through winter. This durable, long-lived, easy-to-grow grass is a real workhorse for arid gardens and other managed landscapes. Large enough to use in defining spaces, it is also a dramatic vertical presence, singly or in small groups, especially when illuminated by the sun. Very drought tolerant. Prefers full sun. Propagate by seed. Division of established plants is difficult. Zone 7.
Muhlenbergia rigens in early April in the Valentine garden, designed by Isa-belle Greene, in Santa Barbara, California.
Muhlenbergia rigida (Kunth) Trinius
Purple muhly, upland bunchgrass Native to sunny, rocky slopes in Texas, Arizona, and northern Mexico, and also in South America. Clump-forming, with green basal foliage topped by upright-arching feathery inflorescences to 3 feet (90 cm) tall in late summer or early autumn, opening brownish purple to dark purple and fading to tan. Adaptable and easy to grow on a wide range of soil types. Drought-tolerant. Dormant in winter. A lower-growing alternative to deergrass, Muhlenbergia rigens. Zone 7.
Muhlenbergia rigens grows in a sandy wash in native habitat outside Ojai, California, in early July.
Muhlenbergia rigida is dormant but still attractive in mid February at High Country Gardens in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
'Lenri'. A strongly purple-flowered selection made by Mountain States Nursery of Arizona, marketed with the name Nashville™.
Nassella E. Desvaux Grass family, Poaceae Needle grass
Comprises approximately 80 species native to open, sunny habitats in North and primarily South America, with the greatest number in Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile. Many of the species were formerly included in the genus Stipa. All are fine-textured, graceful plants often with long, showy awns. Many are prolific seeders with the capacity to naturalize beyond their range, and the introduction of South American species into other warm, arid regions including the southwestern United States and Australia should be undertaken with proper caution. All are cool-season growers, typically blooming in spring following winter rains and going partly or fully dormant in summer. The three California native species, Nassella cernua, N. lepida, and N. pulchra, are among the most beautiful and are superb choices for water-conserving gardens there.
Nassella cernua (Stebbins & A. Love)
Barkworth [Stipa cernua Stebbins & A. Love]
Nodding needle grass Native to sandy, dry slopes in open grasslands, coastal scrub, chaparral, and juniper woodlands in California. Clump-forming and tufted. A true cool-season grower, dormant in summer. Inflorescences in late winter to early spring, delicate and open, to 3 feet (90 cm), with awns to 4% inches (11 cm) long, purplish at first, drying silvery, usually nodding. Prefers full sun, best on well-drained soil but is broadly tolerant. Ideal for naturalizing in meadows and meadow gardens, but needs open ground for seeds to establish. Self-sows. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 8.
Nassella lepida (Hitchcock)
Barkworth [Stipa lepida Hitchcock]
Foothill needle grass Native to dry slopes in oak grasslands, chaparral, and coastal scrub in California. Clump-forming and tufted. Similar in appearance to Nassella cernua, but with overall finer texture, and the flowers are less characteristically nodding. A true cool-season grower. Dormant in summer. Blooms in late winter or early spring. Inflorescences delicate and open, with awns to 2 inches (5 cm) long. Prefers full sun. Best on well-drained soil but broadly tolerant. Ideal for naturalizing in meadows and meadow gardens, but needs open ground for seeds to establish. Self-sows but not invasive. Propagate by seed. Zone 8.
Nassella neesiana (Trinius & Ruprecht)
Barkworth [Stipa neesiana Trinius & Ruprecht]
Chilean needle grass Native to dry, sunny habitats in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, and Uruguay. Upright and clump-forming, 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) tall in flower. Supple stems move readily with the wind. A graceful presence in South American landscapes and gardens, but a significant weed species in southern Australia. A prolific self-seeder. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 8.
Nassella cernua in mid June at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden in California.
Nassella neesiana moves to breezes in Ximena Nazal's garden in Panquehue, Chile, in December (early summer), with Crocosmia, Kniphofia, Tulbaghia, and Achillea.
Nassella neesiana in mid July at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in England.
Nassella pulchra (Hitchcock)
Barkworth [Stipa pulchra Hitchcock]
Purple needle grass Designated in 2004 as the official state grass of California, this delicately beautiful species was once widespread and emblematic of California's grasslands before the wholesale introduction of exotic grass species and the destruction of much of its original habitat. It is native to dry grasslands, chaparral, and coastal scrub only in California. Blooms in late winter or early spring, with inflorescences to 3 feet (90 cm) tall on erect stalks. The spikelets have graceful awns to 4 inches (10 cm) long, purplish at first but quickly becoming translucent and silvery. Truly eye-catching when sidelit or backlit by the sun. A pronounced cool-season grower, dormant in summer, resuming growth in fall and continuing through winter. Of easy culture in full sun. Prefers well-drained soil but is adaptable. Ideal for naturalizing in meadows and meadow gardens, but requires open ground for seeds to establish. Propagate by seed or division. Self-sows. Zone 8.
Nassella pulchra begins blooming in late February along with California poppies at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden in California.
In full bloom in early April, Nassella pulchra responds to spring breezes at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.
Nassella pulchra detail explains the name "purple needle grass."
Nassella tenuissima (Trinius)
Barkworth [Stipa tenuissima Trinius]
Mexican feather-grass Native to dry, open ground, open woods, and rocky slopes in Texas, New Mexico, Mexico, and Argentina. Among the finest textured of all grasses, producing a dense green fountain of hairlike leaves and threadlike stems ending in silvery inflorescences with slender awns to 3 inches (80 cm) long. Blooms in spring in warm climates and in early summer in cool-temperate climates. To 2 feet (60 cm) tall, the inflorescences becoming light straw-colored and remaining attractive into winter. A cool-season grower that is green over winter in mild climates but goes dormant during summer's heat. Delicate and extraordinarily responsive to breezes. Prefers full sun but will grow in very light shade. Very drought tolerant. Not tolerant of waterlogged soils. When this grass is grown in cool-temperate regions, well-drained soil is essential to winter cold hardiness. Makes a fine container specimen, set out for the growing season in regions where it is not winter hardy. Self-sows readily but usually is easily managed. Zone 7.
Nassella trichotoma (Nees)
Hackel ex Arechavaleta [Stipa trichotoma Nees]
Serrated tussock grass This South American species is similar to Nassella tenuissima in form, producing a low mound of basal foliage. It is becoming popular in British gardens, where it is well behaved, but is listed as a noxious weed in parts of the United States and in Australia. Self-sows readily. Propagate by seed or division. Zone 8.
Overwintering foliage of Nassella tenuissima offers fine-textured contrast with Narcissus 'Hawera' blooming in mid April in the author's Pennsylvania garden.
Nassella tenuissima blooms in late June in the author's Pennsylvania garden with Achillea 'Anthea' and the spearlike leaves of Gladiolus.
Nassella tenuissima with Eryngium 'Silver Ghost' in late July in Beth Chatto's unirrigated gravel garden in Colchester, England.
Nassella trichotoma grows in a gravel-mulched bed at the Royal Horticultural Society's garden,Wisley, in Surrey, England, in mid July.
Nassella viridula (Trinius)
Barkworth [Stipa viridula Trinius]
Green needle grass Native to plains and dry slopes in North America, from Alberta and Saskatchewan to Wisconsin and Illinois west to Montana and Arizona. It is sometimes found near railways and other disturbed ground beyond its native range. An upright, clump-forming, cool-season grower, to 3% feet (105 cm) tall when blooming in early summer. Inflorescences are terminal, somewhat feathery, opening green and quickly drying to silver and tan. The awns are relatively short, but numerous and luminous. This Great Plains grass deserves more attention in gardens and conserved landscapes. Of easy culture in full sun on average to dry soil. Propagate by seed, or by division in spring or fall. Zone 3.
Panicum Linnaeus Grass family, Poaceae Panic grass
Comprises approximately 400 annual and perennial species native primarily to the tropics but extending into temperate regions including North America, occurring in a wide range of habitats from deserts and savannahs to swamps, bogs, and open woodlands. The inflorescences are panicles, typically terminal, and often finely branched. Long popular in continental Europe, particularly Germany, the North American species Panicum virgatum has become increasingly popular in recent years as a design alternative to miscanthus and because of a new wealth of distinct cultivated varieties. Other perennial North American species deserve further attention. All are warm-season growers, slow to begin growth in spring but very heat tolerant, blooming late in the year and generally remaining attractive through winter.
Panicum amarum Elliott
Coastal switchgrass, bitter switchgrass, bitter panic grass Unlike common switchgrass, Panicum virgatum, which is found in a multitude of habitats, this species naturally occurs only on sandy soils along the North American coast from Connecticut south to Florida and Texas and west to northeastern Mexico. The inflorescences are much narrower and more dense than those of P. virgatum and typically arch outward above the foliage, creating a fountainlike effect. This species also increases more rapidly by rhizomes, although it is easily maintained as a clump in the garden. Leaves typically % inch (12 mm) wide, often glaucous and gray-green or gray-blue. Mature plants grow 3 to 5 feet (90-150 cm) tall in flower, depending upon available moisture. Blooms mid to late summer. Long valued for its stabilizing role in coastal dune ecosystems, this heat-tolerant and drought-tolerant species has great potential for gardens in semiarid regions. It will grow in a wide range of soils from pure sand to clay and is fairly salt tolerant. Excessive fertility and moisture will cause lax growth. Prefers full sun. Readily propagated by seed, or by division in spring or fall. Zone 5.
'Dewey Blue'. Leaves exceptionally glaucous and gray-blue, to 5 feet (1.5 m) in flower. Selected and named by the author in cooperation with Dale Hendricks of North Creek Nurseries, from plants grown from seed of a naturally occurring population along the southern Delaware coast near the town of Dewey. Zone 5.
The typical green-leaved form of Panicum amarum grows with seaside goldenrod, Solidago sempervirens, in sand along the central New Jersey coast in early October.
Panicum amarum 'Dewey Blue' grows full and lush in rich loamy soil in the author's Pennsylvania garden and begins to bloom in mid July.
Panicum amarum 'Dewey Blue' (center) grows strictly upright on this unirrigated sandy site in southern Delaware, flanked by Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' with Aster oblongi-folius (in the foreground). The planting is part of the Enhancing Delaware Highways program.
Panicum rigidulum Bosc ex Nees
Redtop panic grass Native to a wide variety of wet or moist habitats including river, pond, and lake edges, marshes, swamps, and wet open woodlands, from Maine to Michigan and south to Florida and Texas. Grows 2 V to 4 feet (75-120 cm) tall when blooming in mid summer. Inflorescence a terminal panicle, opening with a strong red color and gradually fading to tan. The foliage is deep green and relatively coarse in texture and overall appearance. A natural companion to other moisture-loving species such as Asclepias incarnata, Cephalanthus occiden-talis, Hibiscus moscheutos, Hex verticillata, Lobelia cardinalis, and Verbena hastata, and often encountered growing with these in native habitats. Will grow in a wide range of soils, in average to moist conditions. Tolerates dry periods but will not thrive on normally dry sites. Readily propagated by seed, or by division in spring or fall. Zone 4.
Panicum virgatum Linnaeus
Grass family, Poaceae
Switchgrass, panic grass Native to prairies and open ground, open woods, and brackish marshes from Nova Scotia and Quebec to Manitoba and Montana south to Arizona, Mexico, and into the West Indies. A major component of the once-vast American tallgrass prairie, this large, handsome species was for decades appreciated in European gardens and ignored at home. It is increasingly recognized for its beauty, durability, and easy culture, for designed gardens and managed regional landscapes. An increasing array of distinct and useful cultivated varieties is available, and more are certain to be introduced as this variable species is more closely observed.
Grows from 4 to 8 feet (1.2-2.4 m) tall in flower. Although always forming recognizable clumps, it may also run by rhizomes, sometimes slowly, sometimes with moderate speed. It may be erect-stemmed and narrow, or lax and billowing in form. Summer foliage color ranges from typical deep green to bright powder-blue, and autumn tones vary from typical golden yellow to deep burgundy. Like many North American prairie grasses, switchgrass is a long-lived, warm-season grower. It begins growth late in spring, grows strongly in the heat of summer, and flowers in July or August. The profuse, airy panicles are often pink or red-tinted when first opening. All parts of the plant are quite sturdy even when dry and dormant, standing through winter unless snows are exceptionally heavy, and providing important cover for spring-nesting birds.
Panicum rigidulum blooms with marsh mallow, Hibiscus moscheutos, in moist, sunny habitat in Queen Anne's County, Maryland, in late July.
Panicum rigidulum growing on unirrigated loam in the author's Pennsylvania garden in late July.
Switchgrass remains upright much longer than the other tallgrass species Andropogon virginicus and Sorghastrum nutans. Versatile in the garden, effective as a specimen, in sweeps or masses, for screening, at the edges of pools or ponds, or in a large decorative container. Of easy culture in full sun on almost any soil from quartz sands to fertile heavy clays. Requires little maintenance except cutting back annually in late winter or spring. Drought-tolerant once established and yet withstands soggy soils or periodic inundation. Also somewhat salt-tolerant. Self-sowing is usually minimal but can be prolific on open, moist soil; this can be valuable for naturalizing, but can be a problem when attempting to maintain uniform sweeps of clonal cultivars, since seedlings often differ noticeably from parents. Some varieties, such as 'Heavy
Metal', are prone to foliar rust diseases in hot, moist summers. Drought tolerance varies and is usually better among glaucous-leaved forms with thicker leaves. Propagate the species by seed, or by division in spring, the cultivars by division only. Zone 4.
'Amber Wave'. This is one of a few unusual introductions by Gary and Sandy Trucks of Amber Waves Gardens in Michigan. It has glaucous-blue foliage that turns increasingly red-purple toward the growing season. Slow-growing but long-lived, typically less than 4 feet (1.2 m) tall in flower.
'Blue Tower'. Leaves glaucous blue, to 8 feet (2.4 m) tall in flower. Selected by Greg Speichert of Crystal Palace Perennials from a population growing naturally in Princeton, Illinois.
'Cheyenne Sky'. Blue-green foliage turns deep red-purple from late summer through autumn. Inflorescences with strong purple tint. A distinct selection by Gary and Sandy Trucks of Amber Waves Gardens in Michigan.
'Cloud Nine'. Produces a literal cloud of fine-textured inflorescences, opening green and appearing gold when sunlit. Grows to 7 feet (2.1 m) tall in flower. Leaves are just slightly glaucous and blue-green. The entire plant turns dark golden yellow in autumn and stands up well through winter. Moderately drought tolerant. A selection by Bluemount Nursery of Maryland.
'Dallas Blues'. One of the best and most distinct varieties, with broad, steel-blue to gray-green foliage and huge purplish flower panicles. Selected and patented by Ken and Linda Smith of Change of Scenery nursery in Ohio, from a seedling discovered in a Dallas, Texas, garden. Big and bold-textured, reaching 6 feet (1.8 m) height with equal or greater spread, and glaucous leaves M to 1% inches (2-4 cm) wide. Blooms in mid summer, the flowers opening with mauve tones that change to deep red-purple before eventually drying to light amber. The sturdy stems and inflorescences stand up well into winter. Prefers full sun. Very drought tolerant. Zone 4.
Panicum virgatum growth from the previous season continues to stand erect in mid May, providing cover for birds and still-attractive color and textural contrast with blooming golden club, Orontium aquati- cum, in the New Jersey Pine Barrens.
Panicum virgatum 'Cloud Nine' in mid September in the trial gardens at North Creek Nurseries in Landenberg, Pennsylvania.
A fine-textured wall of Panicum virgatum 'Cloud Nine' creates a graceful separation between the garden and a parking area in the Barton garden in Landenberg, Pennsylvania.
Panicum virgatum 'Dallas Blues' is a commanding presence long before it flowers, as evident in this June view in the author's Pennsylvania garden.
Inflorescences of Panicum virgatum 'Dallas Blues' are lavender-purple and the flowering stems typically lax in late August in the author's Pennsylvania garden.
Panicum virgatum ‘Dallas Blues’ flower color gradually shifts from lavender to purplered at the end of summer. Panicum virgatum ‘Dallas Blues’ in mid September.
Panicum virgatum ‘Dallas Blues’ in mid October.
'Hanse Herms'. Foliage is green in summer, becoming increasingly red-suffused in late summer and autumn. Relatively short-growing, typically 4 feet (1.2 m) tall in flower. Upright in form, with slender stems that bend gracefully during rains and usually pick themselves up when dry. Easily knocked down by heavy snows. Average drought tolerance. Very similar to 'Rehbraun' and 'Rotstrahlbusch' and the three are sometimes confused in commerce. None are as strongly red-colored as the more recent introduction, 'Shenandoah'.
'Heavy Metal'. Still one of the most upright-growing of the blue-leaved varieties, this selection by Kurt Bluemel never leans or lodges. Foliage is strongly glaucous and gray-blue, topped by inflorescences opening with a noticeable pink tint in August, typically less than 5 feet (1.5 m) tall. Susceptible to foliar rust diseases in hot, humid climates. Better than average drought tolerance.
'Heiliger Hain' (sacred grove). Leaves glaucous blue, with deep wine-colored suffusion especially toward the end of the growing season. Upright, to 4 feet (1.2 m) tall in flower, with inflorescences opening pink-beige.
Still standing in late January, Panicum virgatum 'Dallas Blues' holds cups of snow in the author's Pennsylvania garden. It does this every year when snows are wet and heavy.
Panicum virgatum 'Hanse Herms' in late November with Itea virginica 'Henry's Garnet' in Wilmington, Delaware.
Panicum virgatum 'Hanse Herms' displayed in a large container at Longwood Gardens in mid October, with threadleaf bluestar, Amsonia hu-brichtii (at right).
'Northwind'. An absolute workhorse of a grass, standing upright like few others through all weather and seasons. Relatively broad, blue-green leaves have an especially waxy cuticle, contributing to this cultivar's superior drought tolerance. Narrowly upright, to 6 feet tall when blooming in August. The inflorescences are much narrower and less diffuse than 'Cloud Nine'. Selected by Roy Diblik of Northwind Perennial Farm in Wisconsin, from a seedling that appeared in the nursery in the early 1980s. Virtually immune to foliar rusts. Takes on rich gold tones in autumn.
'Prairie Fire'. Foliage begins green, turns deep red-pur-ple from late summer through autumn. An unusual selection by Gary and Sandy Trucks of Amber Waves Gardens in Michigan.
'Prairie Sky'. Roger Gettig of Wisconsin found this exceptionally glaucous-blue plant growing along a railroad right-of-way. It is much lighter and bluer than 'Heavy Metal', but not quite so strictly upright. It stands up well in drier colder regions, but can be lax and floppy when grown on rich soils in warm climates. Relatively rust-resistant. Grows no more than 5 feet (1.5 m) tall when flowering in August.
Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' in mid July in Newark, Delaware.
Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' in the author's Pennsylvania garden.Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' at the beginning of August. Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' at the beginning of November.
Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' blooms in mass in early October
'Prairie Wind'. A truly distinct new selection with huge, finely branched, cascading inflorescences that are spectacular when sunlit. Leaves are green and glossy, not at all glaucous. Grows 6 to 8 feet (1.8-2.4 m) tall. Selected by Bluebird Nursery of Clarkson, Nebraska.
'Red Cloud'. Green foliage is topped by strongly red tinted inflorescences to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall.
'Rehbraun' (russet). Leaves green in summer, increasingly suffused dark red as autumn approaches. Upright, to 4 feet (1.2 m) tall.
'Rotstrahlbusch' (red ray bush). This antique cultivar was in Karl Foerster's catalog a half century ago. It is upright with green leaves that are increasingly red-tinted toward the end of the growing season and into autumn. The color is never as intense as the more recent introduction, 'Shenandoah'.
Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' in the author's Pennsylvania garden.Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' at the beginning of November.
Cascading, fountainlike inflorescences of Panicum virgatum 'Prairie Wind' are lit by the mid-September sun in the author's Pennsylvania garden.
'Shenandoah'. The red autumn foliage is currently the most intense and reliable of all readily available switch-grasses. Selected by Hans Simon of Germany from his evaluations of more than 500 seedlings of 'Hanse Herms'. Leaves green in early summer, taking on dark red tones by July, and turning wholly wine-colored by September. Slower-growing than average, to 4 feet (1.2 m) tall in flower. Upright in stance and usually remaining so through winter.
'Squaw'. A green-leaved selection by Kurt Bluemel with inflorescences strongly pink-suffused. Shorter than 'Warrior', to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall in flower.
'Strictum'. This older, somewhat glaucous selection has mostly been superseded by newer, bluer cultivars, but is still a viable choice if there's a need for a mostly upright, gray-green switchgrass 5 to 6 feet (1.5-1.8 m) tall.
'Warrior'. A green-leaved selection by Kurt Bluemel with inflorescences strongly pink-red in late summer and early autumn. Taller than 'Squaw', to 6 feet (1.8 m) in flower.
Pennisetum Richard ex Persoon Grass family, Poaceae
Fountain grass
The genus name is derived from the Latin penna, feather, and seta, bristle, referring to the bristlelike inflorescences. Includes more than 80 mostly perennial species native to open and woodland habitats in the world's tropical and warm-temperate regions. The fountain grasses are aptly named. Most produce fountains of flowers flowing from neatly mounded basal foliage. All are warm-season growers, well adapted to hot summers and humid conditions. They typically flower from the beginning of summer into early autumn, and often remain intact and attractive long into winter in cool-temperate regions. Most are clump-formers, though a few spread rapidly by rhizomes. They range in size from less than 1 foot (30 cm) to more than 5 feet (1.5 m) in height. The majority prefer full sun but will often perform reasonably well in partial shade. Some, especially the hardy Pennisetum alopecuroides, are durable enough to be used as long-term groundcovers.
In addition to the hardy perennials, the genus includes species from tropical and subtropical regions that are often cultivated as annuals in cool-temperate gardens. These also make superb choices for container display.
Many species self-sow readily, and a few are considered noxious weeds in parts of the world. Recent research has determined that some of the purple fountain grasses previously known as Pennisetum setaceum are in fact hybrids between this species and P. macrostachyum, and are now correctly referred to by the newly published name P. xadvena.
Pennisetum xadvena Wipff & Veldkamp
[Pennisetum setaceum var. rubrum hort., P. cupreum Hitchcock ex L. H. Bailey]
Purple fountain grass This newly published species includes the red-purple fountain grasses that have long been listed as Pennisetum setaceum. Grass taxonomist and plant breeder J. K. Wipff determined that these popular garden plants are actually hybrids between P. macrostachyum and P. setaceum, and was able to confirm this by controlled crosses of the two species. The origin of most material in cultivation is obscure. The hybrids are typically more like P. setaceum in general appearance, with relatively narrow leaves usually less than M inch (2 cm) wide, but with the purplish stem, leaf, and flower color of P. macrostachyum. Upright and clump-forming, typically bloom ing from mid summer into autumn when grown in temperate regions. Plants are tender, requiring temperatures of 40°F (4°C) or above for survival. Fertile seed production is uncommon, and propagation is by division or by rooted stem cuttings. Best in full sun with adequate moisture, but fairly drought tolerant once established. Most often grown as a summer annual from plants held over in greenhouses or purchased annually. Zone 9.
Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' is backlit by the late afternoon sun in mid October in the author's Pennsylvania garden.
'Eaton Canyon' ('Cupreum Compactum', 'Rubrum Dwarf'). A truly compact variety, rarely exceeding 30 inches (75 cm) in height when blooming. Similar to forms offered as 'Rubrum' but smaller in all parts. Originated as a seedling at Magic Growers nursery on Eaton Canyon Drive in Pasadena, California.
'Rubrum' ('Cupreum', 'Atropurpureum', 'Purpureum').
All parts of the plant are a rich red-burgundy color. Grows upright to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall, with inflorescences sometimes more than 1 foot (30 cm) long. The name 'Rubrum' is best used to refer to the material long in cultivation that is typically propagated vegetatively. If additional hybrids occur or are deliberately made, resulting clonal varieties should be assigned new cultivar names.
Pennisetum alopecuroides (Linnaeus) Sprengel
[Pennisetum japonicum Trinius]
Fountain grass, chikara shiba Native to sunny, open lowlands and grassy places in Japan and over much of southeastern Asia, this extremely variable species is the most commonly grown of the truly cold-hardy fountain grasses. Typically grows 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) tall in flower, but cultivated varieties range from under 1 foot (30 cm) to over 5 feet (1.5 m) in height. The foliage is usually green in summer turning golden yellow in autumn. The leaves are narrow, up to % inch (12 mm) wide. Inflorescences are spikelike racemes, usually dense and cylindrical, resembling large foxtails; they are superb as cut material for fresh bouquets. Flower color varies from dark purple to cream-white, with flowering beginning as early as June or as late as September. Depending upon the cultivar, inflorescences remain attractive into late fall or early winter, then begin to shatter. The foliage often is presentable through winter. Easily grown in full sun or light shade on most soils. Best with regular moisture, but drought-tolerant once established. The species is propagated by seed, or by division in spring, the cultivars by division only. Self-sows, usually at a manageable level; however, some of the fall-blooming varieties such as 'Moudry' and 'National Arboretum' are particularly fertile and can be very weedy if conditions are suitably moist. They often become established in irrigated cool-season turf. Zone 6, sometimes colder.
Pennisetum xadvena 'Eaton Canyon' in mid August at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania
Pennisetum xadvena 'Rubrum' in late June, growing in the ground at Seaside Gardens in Carpinteria, California.
Pennisetum xadvena 'Ru-brum' displayed in a container in late August at the Royal Horticultural Society's garden, Wisley, in Surrey, England.
'Cassian'. Flowers light cream-colored beginning in August, to 3 feet (90 cm) high in an arching mound, with foliage that reliably turns gold with rich red tints in autumn. A Kurt Bluemel selection named for German horticulturist Cassian Schmidt.
'Caudatum' (Pennisetum caudatum hort.). Flowers are nearly white beginning in August, 3 to 4 feet (90-120 cm) tall when blooming.
'Hameln'. Compact, only 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) tall in flower, and deservedly popular for groundcover use. Flowers are light green to white. Fall foliage reliably turns deep golden amber.
'Little Bunny'. A true miniature, less than 18 inches (45 cm) tall when blooming. Originated as a seedling of 'Hameln' found by Jack Weiskott of Ornamental Plantings Nursery on Long Island, New York.
Photographed in late September, this planting of Pennisetum alopecuroides has been in place at Longwood Gardens for two decades, demonstrating the durable beauty of this common form of hardy fountain grass
Though the flowers have faded, the same planting of Pennisetum alopecuroides at Longwood Gardens is neat and attractive even on a dark, foggy day in February.
Pennisetum alopecuroides (center) in a classic combination with Sedum 'Autumn Joy' (foreground) and Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm' (background) on a frosty late-October morning in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Though plants are dormant and the flowers dry in mid November, Pennisetum alopecuroides is still a glowing presence in late afternoon at the Bard College campus in Annan-dale-on-Hudson in New York.
Pennisetum alope-curoides 'Cassian' softens the edges of the pool in the Bluemel garden in Fallston, Maryland, in late September.
Pennisetum alope-curoides 'Hameln' in early August at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania.
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Little Bunny' in late August at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Moudry' in early October in the author's former Delaware garden.
'Little Honey'. Nearly identical to 'Little Bunny', of which it is a sport, but with leaves longitudinally white-striped. Typically 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm) tall in flower. Found and named by Cliff Russell of Russell Nurseries in Pennsylvania.
'Moudry'. Distinctly different, with dark green, glossy, relatively wide leaves to 7/16 inch (11 mm) across forming a neat mound of basal foliage to 2 feet (60 cm) high. The flowers are dark purple, extending above the foliage and arching only slightly on relatively stiff stalks. Blooms much later than typical for the species, generally at flowering peak in late September. Originated from seed introduced by the U.S. National Arboretum from Japan, where populations of wide-leaved, late-blooming, dark-purple-flowered plants are common. The cultivar name recognizes G. Moudry, who pioneered the use of grasses in urban Baltimore. This cultivar and other similar forms self-sow prolifically, especially in moist conditions, and can be weedy in gardens and adjacent cool-season turfgrass lawns.
'National Arboretum'. Essentially the same as 'Moudry', though the flowers more reliably extend outward from the basal foliage.
'Paul's Giant'. Unusually large but strictly clump-forming, growing to 5 feet (1.5 m) in height when blooming in August. Flowers cream-white to tan. The foliage routinely turns yellow-orange in autumn. Discovered as a seedling by Paul Skibinski of Delaware.
'Weserbergland' (Weser mountain country). Similar to 'Hameln' but slightly larger, typically 3 feet (90 cm) tall in flower.
'Woodside'. Mervyn Feesey of Barnstaple, England, selected this seedling from his garden, Woodside, for its habit of blooming early and reliably. Relatively compact, 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) tall with cream-white flowers.
The same plant of Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Moudry' laden with frosty dew two weeks later in late October
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Paul's Giant' at Longwood Gardens in early October.
The same plant of Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Paul's Giant' in late October.
Pennisetum 'Fairy Tails'
Originated as a seedling in Greenlee Nursery in Pomona, California, and is possibly a hybrid involving Pennisetum incomp-tum. Appears to be seed-sterile but warrants continued observation. Foliage is semievergreen, especially in mild climates, and blue-green to gray-green in color. Mostly clump-forming, 4 to 5 feet (1.2-1.5 m) tall when blooming. Flowering stems erect, flowers emerge light pink and fade to tan at maturity. Cold hardiness unknown, but likely at least to Zone 7.
Pennisetum glaucum (Linnaeus)
This Asian species is an annual, typically grown for grain, birdseed, and forage, but is included because the following hybrid is widely grown in otherwise perennial gardens.
'Purple Majesty'. A strikingly purple plant developed as an offshoot of agricultural breeding trials at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln by David Andrews and John Rajewski. Plants set out in spring will grow 4 to 5 feet (1.2-1.5 m) tall, flowering in summer. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Pennisetum incomptum Nees ex Steudel
[Pennisetum flaccidum Grisebach]
Spreading fountain grass This native of northern China and the Himalayas spreads vigorously by rhizomes to form large masses to 4 feet (1.2 m) tall in flower. Leaves are narrow, green to gray-green. Blooms in early summer often continuing through the growing season. Flowers greenish white, drying light tan, on nearly upright stems. The racemes are longer and much more slender than Pennisetum alopecuroides. Grows best in full sun but adapted to a wide range of soil and moisture conditions. Spreads too aggressively to be manageable in a mixed flower border, but is relatively early flowering, has good fall and winter presence, and can be an appropriate choice for difficult, contained sites such as traffic islands. The rhizomes are extremely persistent and can be difficult to eradicate once established. Zone 4.
Pennisetum macrourum Trinius
Fountain grass
Native to moist, sunny habitats in Africa, this species resembles Pennisetum incomptum in having long, narrowly cylindrical racemes and a spreading growth habit, but is much less cold hardy and is not as aggressively rhizomatous. Zone 7.
Pennisetum glaucum 'Purple Majesty' at Rutgers Gardens in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in late July.
A concrete planter at Denver Botanic Gardens in Colorado is an ideal site for the running species Pennisetum in-comptum. Photographed in late August.