Grasses

Grasses add softness and continuity to a garden. We focus on those that do best in our region with a special emphasis on evergreen varieties and those that perform well in shade. Grasses also make elegant container subjects.

Agropyron magellanicum Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Poaceae

'Blue Wheat Grass' hails from Argentina/ Chile and forms a striking evergreen clump to 2' tall and as wide. Graceful, intense blue foliage is showy from a distance and combines wonderfully for contrast. Soil that drains, occasional deep water in full sun to very light shade. 30" seed heads rise in summer and turn a handsome tan/straw. Beautiful en masse, containers. Bold with lime green/chartreuse foliage. Very well behaved.

Anemanthele lessoniana Zn8a (10º to 15ºF)Poaceae

Pheasant Tail Grass is a stunning clump forming grass from New Zealand. Leaves turn black/green in spring and summer then take on tints of bright orange and red which holds through the fall and winter. Pendulous infloresences in summer. To 2' tall and forming a clump as wide. Full sun to light shade in regular soil. Slightly drier conditions intensifies the effect. Occasional water. Cut back hard after a cold winter.

Arundo donax ‘Peppermint Stick’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Poaceae

A dramatic cane-like grass with horizontal leaves lining the stems. This form has leaves that are dramatically edged in white. Fast growing to 12’ tall in a single season. Best in full sun in moist rich soil. Eventually spreads to form a clump to 6’ wide. A very large perennial that is completely deciduous below 20ºF. Cut back in early spring. Provide plenty of room. A tall bamboo-like grass that holds up well to strong winds. May also be grown in shallow water. Arundo is an invasive weed throughout California but shows none of the propensity in our region.

Bouteloa gracilis Zn3a (-40º to -35ºF) Poaceae

Grama Grass or Mosquito Grass is native to a very large area of N. America from

the prairies of Canada to the Mexican border. OR, WA & CA.. Curious 1" comb-like flowers are held horizontally from the stems all summer long to 10" tall.

Spreads to form patches, used as an informal lawn in dry areas. Great for rough areas & transition zones. Full sun to very light shade. Little water when established. Easy to grow.

Carex brunnea ‘Jennenke’ Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Cyperaceae

A dense growing and striking Carex with leaves that have a dominant interior of

reach creamy yellow and and outline of fine deep green on the edges. The bold variegation for such a thin leaf is a wonderful quality and makes a large clump

extremely striking appearing seemingly to glow. Dense growing and arching to 18” tall and forming a clump a foot across. Winter deciduous- cut away dead leaves in winter for a fresh emergence in spring. Part shade in rich soil that retains moisture. It appreciates an annual application of compost for the best growth. Very, very pretty in a woodland.

Carex comans ‘Green’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Cyperaceae

Delightful celery green form of the easy to grow "Hair Sedge". To 1' tall and spreading to form a light textured evergreen rosette to 2' wide. Full sun to part shade in good soil with regular water during the summer. Great in containers near ponds or massed as a ground cover. Cut back in early spring to refresh. Nice with other Carex species and ornamental grasses. Reseeds in happy conditions, move or remove seedlings.

Xera Plants introduction

Carex comans ‘Olive Oil’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Cyperaceae

Our own introduction of a brand new color form of New Zealand Hair Sedge. 'Olive Oil' shimmers with delectable tones of tawny-taupe. To 1' high, spreading to 3' wide with age. Full sun with regular water in summer. Spectacular with gold leaved perennials such as Campanula 'Dickson's Gold'. Excellent in containers. Cut back hard in early spring.

Carex comans ‘Red’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Cyperaceae

New Zealand Hair Sedge is a very easy to grow and long lived evergreen perennial. Forms large clumps to 18" tall and 2' wide. Full sun and average to moist garden soil with regular water. Excellent container plant where it will spill generously over the side. Looks better with summer irrigation. Seeds itself around, seedlings are easy to identify and yank. Cut back hard in very early spring to tidy, refresh.

Carex conica ‘Hime Kan-Suge’ Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Cyperaceae

AKA Carex conica 'Snowline'- Lovely fine textured sedge with leaves carefully outlined in white. To 14" tall and forming an evergreen clump to 2' wide. Full sun to considerable but not dark shade with regular water in rich soil. Great winter container plant. Small blooms with tan stems in mid-late summer. Cut back hard in early spring, or just comb out tired leaves. Lovely edging paths or on hillsides.

Carex platyphylla Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Cyperaceae

This tough evergreen sedge is ideal in dry shade as well as much fluffier conditions

in a border. 1” wide ribbon like leaves are arching and have a dusty blue sheen.

Evergreen in our climate to 1’ tall and a little wider in a season. It may be cut back

hard in early spring to re-grow and refresh. Wiry stems support blue/gray tassles

in summer. Part shade to shade (full sun with regular water) in rich, well drained soil that retains moisture. It will grow and tolerate dry shade if given a good start.

The large ribbon-like leaves give a good substantial quality to this sedge.

Carex phyllocephala ‘Sparkler’ Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Cyperaceae

One of the most striking sedges for woodland gardens, 'Sparkler' has white edged leaves that stand up in whorls and in summer fascinating flower spikes that resemble Papyrus. Forms clumps to 2' wide and 2' tall in moist, rich soil. Pair with ferns, hostas and heucheras for an excellent contrast in texture. Semi-evergreen, disappearing below 15ºF, and re-sprouting. Cut back hard in early spring. Moist soil. Japan.

Carex secta Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Cyperaceae

A very bold and tall growing sedge with leaves that take on impressive bronze tints. To 2' tall and forming a clumping fountain shape. That's right, a clumping fountain shape to 2' wide. Evergreen. Full sun to light shade and rich well drained soil with regular irrigation in summer. Cut back hard in very early spring if it looks like it needs it. Otherwise, handsome all of the time. Good container plant, also very striking near water features. New Zealand.

Carex tenuiculmis Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Cyperaceae

Fantastic evergreen sedge that is one more of the superior bronze tinted varieties for our gardens. Full sun and well drained soil with occasional summer irrigation. Adapts better to slightly drier conditions than most sedges. To 1’ tall and forming a clump as wide. Arching thin leaves take on bronze and coffee tints in full sun. Excellent container subject. May be cut back hard in early spring, but as with all Carex provide plenty of water in the subsequent growing season.

Carex testacea Zn7b (5º to 10ºF) Cyperaceae

Amazing tints of orange and olive throughout the year make this evergreen sedge one of the most striking. Forming a large arching clump to 1' tall and 2' wide overtime its appearance is best in rich, well drained soil with occasional summer water. Full sun to light shade. Great container plant. Cut back hard in late winter to refresh the plant. Excellent with the maroon leaves of Geranium 'Red Select'. A great plant.

Chasmanthium latifolium ‘River Mist‘ PPAF Zn4a (-30º to -25ºF) Poaceae

This new and fantastic version of Northern Sea Oats has leaves and stems dramatically lined in creamy-white. The variegation even extends to the nodding

oat flowers that appear in summer. Spreading to form a large clump it rises to

30” tall in bloom. Rich moist soil in full sun to light shade. Grows and looks best with regular irrigation. This species is native to the eastern United States and is

an important member of wetland communities. Non-invasive and well behaved

in the Pacific Northwest. Winter deciduous.

Chionochloa rubra Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Poaceae

An evergreen tussock grass from New Zealand with leaves that emerge lavender develop taupe and orange tints through much of the year. In summer spikes of oat-like flowers emerge on long stems and dangle and sway in the breeze. Clump to 30" tall by 2' wide. Full sun with average soil and occasional water. Striking and well behaved grass that always looks good. Excellent winter container subject.

Cyperus alternifolius ‘Hardy’ Zn7b (0º to 5ºF) Cyperaceae

A cold hardy form of umbrella grass that is easily grown in standing water, boggy soils or average moist soils. Tall upright stems are topped by spreading green umbrellas in a circular position. Flowers erupt from the top of these leaves, light green and airy. Full sun to light shade in rich soil that remains moist. Freezes to the ground at 20ºF, returns when truly warm weather arrives in spring.

Oregon Native Plant

Festuca californica Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Poaceae

Before being outcompeted by nasty imports this very beautiful evergreen bunch grass was native in the Willamette Valley south to the mountains of California. Steel blue leaves form a clump to 20" tall and as wide. In late summer and fall, 6' flower spikes rise and briefly turn red before turning to straw in the winter. Well drained soil in full sun. An excellent native grass that has been neglected. Climate adapted, beautiful garden grass en masse.

Festuca punctoria Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Poaceae

One of our favorite new grasses to arrive on the scene this very blue

variety of Festuca makes a wonderful tight clump to 8” tall and as

wide. Also known as Hedgehog grass it has much stiffer and almost prickily leaves. Easy to grow in a variety of situations it makes a more permanent massing subject that Festuca ovina glauca without dying out in the center. Full sun to light shade in well drained soil, it is also tolerant of regular irrigation.

Pacific Northwest Native Plant

Festuca roemeri Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Poaceae

This attractive clumping perennial grass is a subspecies of Festuca idahoensis

that is native exclusively west of the Cascades from Vancouver Island south to

interior Northern California. It is considered a climax species for prairie communities on the west side. Unfortunately, it is often out competed by invasive foreign grasses. Curse the foreign invaders. Tightly clumping with fine blue leaves

to 8” tall and as wide in a single season. Bloom spikes appear in spring and are

attractive through summer. This is a winter growing grass that looks fresh and

lovely for most of the year. It tolerates summer irrigation if it is in very well drained

soils in full sun to light shade. This grass is a common component on bluffs

surrounding Puget Sound and sunny open prairies in the Willamette Valley.

Easy to grow.

Hakonechloa macra ‘All Gold’ Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Poaceae

The beautiful all gold form of Japanese Forest Grass. Clump forming to 20" tall and 2' wide after several years. Tough and dependable plant for part shade to high overhead shade in rich soil with regular water. Differs from H.m. 'Aureola' in that it has a more upright habit as well as being 'All Gold'. Long lived perennial of much grace. Regular water in summer. Clump expands slowly. Apricot tints before going deciduous in fall.

Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Poaceae

Form of Japanese Forest grass that has taken on nearly legendary status as a well behaved, graceful, and very tough perennial. Golden bamboo-like leaves veined with dark green form clumps to 1' tall and eventually 2' wide. Best in part shade to high overhead shade. Looks good with everything, makes everything else look better. Rich, well drained soil. Blooms are fine gossamer threads that trail over in late summer. Takes on hints of apricot before going deciduous in autumn. Regular water.

Juncus effusus ‘Bay Blue’ Zn4a (-30º to -25ºF) Juncaceae

A selected form of a native clumping rush that is at home in very heavy soils that are seasonally wet. Forms tight clumps to 20" tall and as wide over time. Good container plant. Also can be sunken into a pond with the surface of the pot 2" below water level. Evergreen, tidy up in early spring. Remember - rushes are round and sedges have edges. Prune out dead stems from the previous season to tidy. Evergreen.

Luzula sylvatica ‘Aurea’ Zn5b (-15º to -10ºF) Cyperaceae

Golden selection of this EVERGREEN workhorse of a woodland sedge. New growth in late winter and early spring emerges bright chartreuse and then fades to medium green by midsummer. Excellent in winter containers or along a path in a woodland. EXCELLENT winter container plant. Forms large patches in part shade with regular water. Golden flower spikes in spring. 18" x 20 " wide. Does not reseed. Clump increases moderately fast.

Luzula nivea Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Cyperaceae

A very easy going sedge for the woodland with grass-green fur colored leaves on a fountain shaped evergreen perennial. To 1’ tall and as wide in two seasons. Tolerates quite a bit of shade but looks its best in dappled light. In late spring and early summer inflorescences of clear white decorate the top of extending stems. Wonderful plant for edging woodland paths or planting under large shrubs. Good container subject where shade limits other types of grass-shaped plants.

Luzula sylvatica ‘Marginata’ Zn5a (-15º to -10ºF) Cyperaceae

A tough, durable, and handsome evergreen sedge that works wonders in a variety of situations. Deep green leaves with a delicate light edge are good looking year round. Forms large patches in full sun (with water) to shade, including dry shade. Great evergreen plant for massing. Divide in late winter every 4 years to reinvigorate. Good in winter containers. Small tassle-like flowers in spring. To 10" tall in bloom- 6" foliage.

Millium effusum ‘Aureum’ Zn6a (-10º to -5ºF) Poaceae

Chartreuse, twisted golden leaves make this easy to grow grass a delight for brightening up a woodland. Small ribbon-like leaves form a clump 2' tall in bloom and spreading to 10" across. Part shade and regular water. Excellent planted among blue leaved Hosta and dark leaved Heucheras. Seeds politely. Seedlings are easily recognized and moved. May go dormant in hot dry conditions. Small millet-like seeds in late spring and summer.

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’ Zn4b (-25º to -20ºF) Poaceae

One of the most graceful grasses M. 'Morning Light' has become a favorite perennial for its thin leaves edged in white. Fountain shaped grass to 3' tall and forming a tight clump. In summer delicate off-white blooms gently wave and sway in the breeze. Full sun to light shade, rich soil with occasional summer water. Cut back in early spring before new growth pushes from the base. Seldom topples like other Miscanthus.

Molinia caerulea ‘Variegata’ Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Poaceae

Among the most elite of ornamental grasses, the variegated form of Purple Moor Grass is a long lived and spectacular plant. Well behaved fountains of leaves that are dramatically striped w/ cream form a clump to about 10" tall and as wide. In early summer pure cream stems rise to 2' holding fine hazy flowers. Part shade in rich moist soil. Regular summer water. Completely deciduous in winter. Amazing planted among blue leaved Hostas and ideally suited to massing. The stems

remain erect through winter. Excellent.

Oregon Native Plant

Muhlenbergia rigens Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Poaceae

Deer Grass is a graceful and easy to grow native resident of the American Southwest. Semi-evergreen clump forming grass. In late summer and into fall

spear like flower spikes erupt from the center and shoot to 4' tall in a hazy almost luminescent fountain. Cut back in spring. Leaf and clump to 3' tall and as wide. Graceful and tough. Well drained soil, light summer water, drought tolerant. Used in basketry by native Americans in California. Native to southern Oregon south

into California.

Western Native Plant

Nasella cernua Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Poaceae

Nodding Needle Grass is a striking clump forming grass native throughout

California from prairies to chapparal. To 1’ tall it sends up inflorescences to

2’ with silvery and purple awns that arch and sway in the slightest breeze.

This west coast perennial grass has been a very adaptable garden plant in the

Pacific Northwest tolerating lush conditions and even regular irrigation in summer.

Blooms appear in June and July and are effective through fall.

Western Native Plant

Nasella pulchra Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Poaceae

Purple Needle Grass is native to a large part of California and once comprised the

main species of grasslands. Invasive species have now encroached and this

beautiful and long lived grass is being shoved aside. Forming a dense clump

to 1’ wide it sends up 28” inflorescences that are tinted purple before turning

to a shiny tan. These appear in spring in the PNW and they dip and sway with every breeze. A natural winter grower it is also adaptable to regular summer water if given good drainage.

Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Kyoto Dwarf’ Zn6b (-5º to 0ºF) Lilaceae

Not a grass at all but a small evergreen member of the lily family also known

as Mondo Grass. This dwarf form rises to only 3” tall but the thin blades form dense and grassy clumps that are perfectly evergreen. In summer small spikes of

white flowers are followed by blue berries. This is an excellent candidate for massing into a small lawn. If planted close enough each clump will join in rich, well drained soil with regular water in summer. Best with some protection from hot

sun and reflected heat. For best results this plant likes the rich life- especially

water in summer as it is a warm grower.

Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Torafu’ Zn6b (-5º to 0ºF) Lilaceae

This is a fantastic form of this tough evergreen perennial related to lilies. Thin green leaves (to1/8” wide) are striped horizontally in light yellow from where they emerge at the ground to the tips. A really fun effect. In summer small spikes of light blue flowers are followed by berries. This is a highly adaptable plant tolerating full sun- where it shows its striking variegation better, to shade. Best in rich well drained soil. It is summer grower so it appreciates water to grow faster during the warmer months. To 8” tall and forming spreading colonies in time.

Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ Zn6b (-5º to 0ºF) Lilaceae

So darned striking and easy to grow. Black Mondo grass is a classic and looks so good with other plants in full sun to shade. Evergreen (everblack) and spreading by underground runners it prefers well drained soil and a year or so to settle in. Occasional summer water speeds growth. Small white flower spikes are followed by black/blue berries. Great container where it accepts neglect and still looks good year round.

Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ Zn4b (-25º to -20ºF) Poaceae

A distinctive selection of Prairie Switch Grass with blue foliage and a very upright (non-flopping) habit. Late summer flower heads become a haze of fine madder/purple. To 5' tall and forming a clump to 2' wide. Rich soil. Tolerates clay. Fall color is long- lasting orange straw. Graceful in wind and adds a light touch to border plantings. Winter deciduous. Regular water in summer.

Schizachyrium scoparium ‘The Blues’ Zn5a (-20º to -15ºF) Poaceae

Fantastic garden grass that is deciduous but has the good taste too look good in several season. Clump forming plant that heaves arching blue leaves out of the ground in early spring. The dense foliage offers fine texture and a gracefulness to the front of a border or mixed with small silvery shrubs. In late summer feathery cream blooms appear. In autumn the leaves take on raspberrry to russet tints before dying back. Best in rich well drained soil with good irrgation in the first season. Drought tolerant when established. Spectacular with Ozothamnus ‘Silver Jubilee’ and White flowered lavender.

Stipa barbata Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Poaceae

Everything that you could ask for in a grass, grace, beauty and fantastic form

this is sure to become a garden classic. Long smokey tails become the inflorescence on this beautiful plant. Tightly clumping and somewhat sparse

growing at the base its true beauty is in bloom when wiry stems display

long silken trailing tails up to 18” LONG! They wave and gently sway in the finest breath of a breeze. Their constant motion is mesmerizing in a garden. As the flowers mature they slowly twist in an effort to mature and then eventually take flight and literally wind themselves into the ground. Unfortunately, they rarely germinate (damn!) This deserves a place in EVERY garden in full sun and well drained soil. Tolerant of great drought when established. Blooms appear in June and are effective through early August. Spectacular and rare unfortunately.

Stipa gigantea Zn7a (0º to 5ºF) Poaceae

A beautiful and refined ornamental grass from the Iberian peninsula. Stipa (pronounced Stye-pa) gigantea forms clumps of fine leaves to 18" tall and 3' wide. In summer large bloom spikes emerge and rise to 6' with golden dangling oatlike flowers. Handsome blue green evergreen clumps in winter. Full sun and well drained soil. Occasional summer water. Adaptable, looks good with many plants and adds a great 3-D effect to a border. Extremely tolerant of adverse soil conditions including heavy un-amended clay soils and extreme drought. A classic that looks good year round. Wonderful with Baptisias which endure the same tough conditions and always thrive and perform.

Uncinia strictissima Zn8a (10º to 15ºF) Cyperaceae

This striking hook sedge is new to us but I believe it has a great future in our climate.

Slightly rolled leaves- unusual for a true sedge are deep cocoa black and mahogany

and form a symmetrical clump to 1’ tall and as wide. The color is so rich and pure

that it looks beyond dead- more like a rich kind of tropical wood. In early summer black sedge-like seed heads protrude from the top. We grew this from seed that a friend brought back from New Zealand where it is native. It has so far endured the last two fairly

severe winters with no visible damage. Slow growing its striking coloration makes it

a natural for containers as well as in the ground. Evergreen. We like this species

much more than Uncinia uncinata ‘Rubra’- which presented problems with disease

and ease of culture. We have a limited amount of this striking black ‘grass’. We hope

to have more in the future.

deer resistance

dry shade

low water /no water