Ornamental Grasses

[Jewell]

GM, great ID. You are right on about the blue fescue. Really drought resistant. I had to remove one and although it is only 6-10 inches tall the roots went down twice as far. The only time I have lost one was when a clump got shaded out with other plants.

 

[gata montes]

While we are on the subject of small grasses - here are two new varieties of Carex which will be available this year and which although, again not a true grass but a sedge are well worth looking out for, particularly as they are evergreen and have very unusual really striking foliage that resembles miniature variegated palm trees - think they would add a dramatic and very striking effect to any style of garden and can be grown either directly in the ground or in a container.

Carex Phyllocephala - Sparkler

Carex Phyllocephala - Spark Plug

 

[Becky]

I saw some black grasses at my local nursery recently, they looked really striking next to green foliage! These particular ones have pink flowers too, might have to get one as I bet they look really pretty in real life!

Ophiopogon

 

[gata montes]

Becky - yes even though black Ophinopogon has been around for quite sometime, it does appear to be becoming very popular again and even though its not a true grass but a member of the lily family - it is an extremely versatile plant that has the ability to compliment any situation and almost any plant, but think it looks particularly striking when mixed with variegated foliage - can be grown directly in the ground as well as in containers - here are some pics to enjoy

Ophiopogon Planiscapus - commonly know as Black Lilyturf or Black Mondo Grass has shiny black evergreen foliage and an abundance of summer flowers which vary from pink, pale violet to white.