plant-trial results • EXPERT TESTED

‘Red Head’ fountain grass Battle of the grassesIf you think they’re all the same, this trial proves that some are champions and some are not

‘Stripe It Rich’ Japanese ‘Carousel’ little forest grass bluestem

48 Fine Gardening | december 2013 By Richard Hawke

think grasses suffer from lumping. I’m guilty of it myself, many times ending a list of companion perennials with the phrase “and some ornamental grasses.” I This gives the impression that all grasses are the same and interchangeable. They’re not, and when we trialed dozens of some of the newest and most popular types at the Chicago Botanic Garden, the differences between them became even more clear. While I still feel like a novice where grasses are concerned, my appre­ ciation has deepened as I’ve opened my eyes to their uniqueness. Rather than treat­ ing grasses as footnotes in the garden, I now see them as distinctive plants. Grasses are unsung heroes—often perceived as sidekicks to flashier perennials or relegated to the background in a landscape. But certain grasses are so much more than worka­ day plants, and they deserve a prime spot where their notable qualities can be seen and heard. These select grasses are a sensory delight of sight, sound, motion, and smell. The following top performers earned excellent marks in our trial because of their incredible architecture, beautiful inflorescences, and unfaltering performance despite weather inconsistencies.

These grasses put the competition Top performers to shame when it comes to looks, behavior, and toughness.

Watching ‘Stripe It Rich’ Japanese forest colors throughout the seasons: Blue-green, grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Stripe It Rich’) red-purple, pink, copper, and mahogany gradually bulk up is worth the wait. Like all make an appearance. The wispy silvery other variegated forms of Japanese for- seeds are especially eye-catching in est grass, ‘Stripe It Rich’ is a slow grower autumnal light. A broad, bowl-shaped at the start, coming into its own by the habit marks ‘Carousel’ as different from third year. Golden yellow leaves, striped other little bluestems, and its slender stems with white, need some sunlight to remain stay upright all winter. Little bluestems vibrant; for optimal color, plant it in full to are tolerant of average to dry soils but do partial sun and in a moist, organic soil. In not like overly wet conditions. This iconic our trials, the plants were in deep shade, so prairie grass is enjoying a renaissance these the leaves were lime green by midsummer. days thanks to ‘Carousel’ and other fantas- Japanese forest grass is among the most tic new selections. elegant of grasses, with gracefully cascading ‘Red Head’ fountain grass (Pennisetum leaves that give the feeling of movement alopecuroides ‘Red Head’) is another excep- on even the calmest day. My cat loves nib- tional grass with midwestern roots, but it is bling on this grass, and unfortunately, rab- not a native. Its lovely arching habit, more bits love it, too. fountainlike than other cultivars in the trial, I’ve grown ‘Carousel’ little bluestem is topped with an eye-popping bouquet of (Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Carousel’) red-purple flowers from midsummer into longer than any other little bluestem and fall. Its bristly inflorescences—at an implau­ have always admired its first-rate perfor- sible size of 9 inches long and 3 inches mance. ‘Carousel’ is a compact grower wide, and looking a bit like giant woolly with blue-green leaves that are red-purple– bear caterpillars—hold their color well into tinged and held against reddish stems. midfall before finally fading and shattering. ‘Carousel’ is a kaleidoscope of softly muted Golden yellow fall color adorns the long ‘Cordoba’ purple moor grass

finegardening.com 49 50 ‘Indian Warrior’ bigbluestem Fine Gardening

| december 2013 switchgrass ‘Northwind’

Photo credit here But what about miscanthus?

Despite being categorized as “invasive” in 25 states, the District of Columbia, and Ontario, miscanthus (Miscanthus sinensis* and cvs., Zones 4–9) continues to be a popular nursery plant. Many still insist that some cultivars are sterile and do not set viable seed. To put that theory to the test, scientists at the Chicago Botanic Gar- ‘Autumn Light’ • Viable SEEDS den conducted an invasive-species trial and here’s what they found.

▶ Seedlings popped up despite being quarantined. From 2006 through 2010, 34 miscanthus were grown in their own separate trial beds and monitored for vigor, bloom period, and flower production. It didn’t take long to see an increasing number of seedlings carpeting the trial plots and adjacent landscapes each spring, although it was impossible to know which of the so-called “sterile” plants were reseeding.

▶ Tests revealed the viability of each cultivar’s seed. In October 2010, inflorescences from each of the 34 plants were X-rayed to see if embryos were present in ‘Hinjo’ • NO SEEDS the seeds (presenting as well-formed, solid white orbs on the X-ray, photos, right). X-ray analysis also assesses seed of evaluating all cultivars for invasive potential. In our quality and viable seed quantity, and reveals details of seed study, only ‘Hinjo’ and ‘Silberpfeil’, ‘Cabaret’ (M. sinensis* fill, insect infestation, and the size or absence of an embryo var. condensatus ‘Cabaret’), and giant miscanthus (which predicts the chances a seed will actually sprout into (M. × giganteus) produced no viable seed. But consider a plant). The number of viable seeds per plant varied widely, these results cautiously because seed production could from as few as 497 (‘Dixieland’) to as many as 349,327 potentially still occur as plants mature or are grown in (‘Kleine Silberspinne’). longer growing seasons; ‘Hinjo’, for example, set seed in ▶ Only one miscanthus is truly sterile. The study a study conducted at the University of Minnesota. Giant showed that seed production and viability varied signifi­ miscanthus appears to be a sterile triploid, so it should cantly among cultivars, demonstrating the importance be safe anywhere it’s grown.

slender leaves into early winter. Fountain interest to speak of. Purple moor grass pre- When I first grew ‘Northwind’ grass is a natural for planting in drifts, fers cool, moist conditions, so supplemental switchgrass (Panicum virgatum ‘North- softening hard lines, and complementing water in the hottest weather will ensure wind’), it was a fairly new plant—a other perennials. To prevent seedlings, that plants remain healthy and happy. midwestern selection heading swiftly to deadhead fountain grass before the With a name that gives a nod to its the national market. Over the years, flowers shatter—or better yet, harvest native-prairie origins, ‘Indian Warrior’ big ‘Northwind’ has proven its worth, standing some blooms shortly after they open for bluestem (Andropogon gerardii ‘Indian tall as one of the best switchgrasses ever. floral arrangements. Warrior’) embodies the best of big blue- Its olive green leaves with a blue-green If you’re looking for drama, look no fur- stem grasses. It is in fine form from spring underside might seem drab when com- ther than ‘Cordoba’ purple moor grass to fall, with sturdy stems pointing skyward pared to more colorful varieties, such as (Molinia caerulea ssp. arundinacea ‘Cor­ at all times. Big bluestems can top out at ‘Dallas Blues’ and ‘Shenandoah’. But when doba’, photo, p. 49). At nearly 7 feet tall, 8 feet tall, but ‘Indian Warrior’, at 5 to heavy rain and strong winds have toppled it has a larger-than-life presence. Its strong 6 feet tall, is compact by comparison. other switchgrasses, the rigid stems of architectural habit is accentuated by the Lush, dark green leaves gradually turn ‘Northwind’ stand firm; many of the leaf gentle quavering of lofty flowers arched red-purple at the same time that the dark tips point straight up, rather than curving over leafy green mounds. In a small space, purple flowers are in their full glory. The downward like other cultivars. Clouds of one plant is, likely, all that makes sense, but three-part flower, which resembles a turkey yellow flowers, and eventually purple fruit,

ult; p. 49, Howard R ice/gapphotos.com; p. 50 (left), millettephotomedia.com; (right), M ichelle Gervais A ult; p. 49, Howard I can only imagine the dramatic display foot, is more of a curiosity than something float just above lush leaves in late summer. statuesque ‘Cordoba’ would make in large dra­matic. Like a smoldering coal, the red- The tidy foliage turns yellow in fall before drifts. Its stunning golden yellow fall color, purple color of the stems, leaves, and flow- fading to tan for the winter months. In peaking in mid-November in Chicago, is a ers intensifies heading into autumn. Plant more than 10 years of observing ‘North- late-season bonus. Because the flower stems in full sun and in any soil except a wet one wind’, I can always count on its unwavering

ill Johnson; p. 48 (bottom Hawke; p. 48 (top), B randi Spade; (bottom left), ill Johnson; noted: courtesy of R ichard Photos (pp. 48-51), except where right), courtesy of Jim naturally break away, there is no winter and watch ‘Indian Warrior’ catch fire. habit in any season.

*See invasive alert on page 86.

To see a chart of results from the miscanthus invasive trial, go to FineGardening.com/extras. web extra Feather reed grass cool-seaon grass pests anddiseasesare testamentstotheirtoughcharacter. Fullsunisbestformostgrasses—although,aswitheveryrule,there are exceptions. G What you needtoknow aboutornamentalgrasses Prairie dropseed Warm-seaon gass rasses are pretty easytogrow: Theirdrought tolerance,adaptabilitytoavarietyofsoils,lowmaintenanceneeds,andlimitedproblems with

(Diarrhena americana),Japaneseforest grass,andswitchgrass. gardens tograzeonfeatherreed grass,Americanbeakgrain like apagefrom Watership Down,rabbitsflockedintothetest Rabbits (photo,right)canbetroublesome, too.Inlateafternoon, voles, canbepesky, feedingongrassroots throughout theyear. ing onswitchgrass.Ground burrowers, suchasgophersand experience todoubtthis;however, Ihaveseenmajor deerbrows- Most grassesare toutedasdeerresistant, andIhavenofirsthand ▶ head irrigationare helpfulinkeepingdiseasesatbay. nose andleafspots.Plantinginfullsun(where appropriate) inwell-drainedsoilandminimizingover soils; andexcessivelywetculturalconditions,especiallyinhighly shadedsites,maypr Rusts canbetroublesome inwet,humidweather;root andcrown rot are problems inpoorlydrained ▶ with handprunersorbyrunningalawnmoweroverthem. (photo, below);short,lessdenselycrowned grasses,suchasJapaneseforest grass,canbemanaged hedge shears,weedwhips,andevenchainsawscanbehelpful.Cutbackmostgrassesto4inchestall need totakeonabeastofgrasswithsomethingmore thanyourownmuscle.Inthiscase,electric This canbedonewithyourtoolofchoice(pruners,hedgeshears,orsaws).Sometimes,though,you’ll ▶ heap thatwon’t standupagain.Tying themupbefore badweatherisagood idea. floppy. Windandraincandoanumberonswitchgrasses,too,knockingdownstemsintomessy Highly fertilesoilsresult inlushgrowth, whichmaycausegrassestobecomeoverlyvigorous and ▶ dry weather. Rainfallandcoolerautumnaltemperatures reinvigorate cool-seasongrasses. summer. Cool-seasongrasses,conversely, emergeearlierinspringandmaystalloutduringhot est weather, andflowerattheendof on thegreatest growth inthewarm- break dormancylateinspring,put it’s dead.W green upinearlyspringdoesn’t mean Just becauseyourgrassdoesn’t ▶  and stayputwhere youplantthem. grasses maintaintheirindividuality hood. Asthenameimplies,clumping occasionally, takeovertheirneighbor good ground covers,buttheycan, by rhizomesorstolonsandmake placement. Runninggrassesspread The habitofagrasswilldictateits ▶ Cut them back every yeartomakewayfornewgrowth Cut thembackevery Skip thefertilizer cool-season plants They canbewarm-or Are theyrunnersorclumpers? Deer avoidthem;rabbitsdon’t Excess moistureisacatalystfordisease arm-season grasses

- ensure thatplantsare wellrooted before fall. and prone tofrost heaving,sodivideandtransplantinspringto it takestoreestablish. Japaneseforest grassisshallowrooted a beartodividebecauseofitsdenseroot systemandthetime sions andreplant immediately. Purplemoorgrasscanbeabitof whacked theplantintopieces,washsoiloff thehealthydivi- spade todividetheclumpsintosmallersections.Onceyou’ve your stamina,perseverance,andawell-sharpenedaxorgarden a third before dividingortransplanting.To getthejobdone,use window, however, youcancutactivelygrowing grassesbackby for springbefore thenewleavesbegintogrow. Ifyoumissthat Five tosevenyearsisagoodruleofthumb.Schedulethetask Generally speaking,grassesdon’t needtobedividedoften: ▶ Divide overgrown grasses tokeepthemshapely Divide overgrown Purple moorgrass(Moliniacaeruleaandcvs.) Feather reed grass(Calamagrostis×acutifloraandcvs.) Blue grama(Boutelouagracilisandcvs.) Cool-season Grasses Switchgrass (Panicumvirgatumandcvs.) Prairie dropseed (Sporobolusheterolepisandcvs.) Little bluestem(Schizachyriumscopariumandcvs.) Japanese forest grass(Hakonechloamacraandcvs.) Fountain grass(Pennisetumspp.andcvs.) Big bluestem(Andropogongerardiiandcvs.) W arm-season grasses omote anthrac-

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Photo credit here Although they haven’t been in the New kids on trial long enough to get a stamp of approval, these newer selections are the block showing considerable promise.

‘Red October’ big bluestem For fall color, nobody does it better than ‘Red October’ big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii ‘Red October’, USDA Hardi- ness Zones 3–9). Dark green leaves tipped in burgundy turn full-on burgundy in early fall. As if this color isn’t luscious enough, it changes to brilliant scarlet after a few frosts. The turkey-foot red-purple flowers with orange anthers are borne at the end of red-bronze stems in summer—a color bonanza at every turn. So far, the plants are standing proudly at 6 feet

anielle D anielle tall and 3 feet wide. ‘Blonde Ambition’ blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis ‘Blonde Ambition’, Zones 4–9) was an unexpected surprise in the first year of the trial. It not only was showy but also reached its full size (37 inches tall and 42 inches wide) in just one summer. A profusion of chartreuse flowers blanketed fine-textured blue- green mounds in midsummer. The blonde seed heads resem- ble mini pennants fluttering over the plants; they remained intact through winter, providing color and texture—which was ‘Blonde Ambition’ blue grama another surprise. The species is cold hardy and adaptable to a range of soil types; it even excels in our green-roof garden in just a 6-inch depth of growing medium. We’re hoping ‘Blonde Ambition’ proves just as hardy. ‘Windbreaker’ big sacaton (Sporobolus wrightii ‘Wind­ breaker’, Zones 5–9) is a recent introduction from New Mexico. With humble beginnings as a utilitarian plan (it was developed as a wind barrier for commercial vegetable fields in the West), ‘Windbreaker’ has a bright future in gardens. It’s a big plant, though, with stems rising 8 to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide over time. In the first year of the trial, it was 68 inches tall and 58 inches wide, so it’s well on its way to its full size. Touted as a native substitute for gigantic pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana* and cvs., Zones 7–11), ‘Wind- breaker’ provides all that drama—and more. Gray-green leaves form a generous mound with large pyramidal green flower clusters soaring high overhead in summer. Big sacaton is not short on positive cultural attributes, either: It’s drought tolerant and adaptable to high-alkaline, saline, and poorly ‘Windbreaker’ big sacaton drained soils. Big sacaton is an important conservation and forage plant in the Southwest and a little-known relative of SOURCES prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis, Zones 4–9). The following mail-order plant sellers offer many of the grasses featured: High Country Gardens, Santa Fe, N.Mex.; 800-925-9387; highcountrygardens.com Klehm’s Song Sparrow Farm & Nursery, Avalon, Wis.; 800-553-3715; songsparrow.com Venero Gardens & Nursery, Shorewood, Minn.; 952-474-8550; venerogardens.com oore; p. 52 (center), courtesy of Genevieve Schmidt; p. (bottom right), p. noted: M ichelle Gervais; p. 52 (bottom left), Kerry A nn oore; Photos (pp. 52-55), except where reek N urseries p. 53 (bottom), courtesy of N orth C reek (center), courtesy of highcountrygardens.com; p. 53 Gardens; Sherry; p. 53 (top), courtesy of I ntrinsic Perennial Richard Hawke is the plant evaluation manager at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Illinois.

finegardening.com 53 Overall Ratings: ★★★★ Excellent ★★★ Good ★★ Fair ★ Poor

Rating Grass Leaf Fall Flower Bloom/fruit Height Width Exposure Zones color color color season ★★★ Andropogon gerardii ‘Bull’s Eye’ Green Purple, Purple Late summer 84 inches 42 inches Full sun 3 to 9 copper and fall ★★★ Andropogon gerardii ‘Indian Warrior’ Green Purple, bronze Dark Late summer 58 inches 38 inches Full sun 3 to 9 purple and fall ★★★ Andropogon gerardii ‘Lord Snowdon’ Silvery blue Red, orange Pink Fall 88 inches 64 inches Full sun 3 to 9 ★★★ Andropogon gerardii ‘Mega Blue’ Silvery blue- Smoky purple Bronzy Fall 90 inches 36 inches Full sun 3 to 9 green ★★★ Andropogon gerardii ‘Red Bull’ Green Orange, Purple Late summer and 88 inches 48 inches Full sun 3 to 9 purple, red early fall ★★ Andropogon ternarius Blue-green Purple, red Silvery Late summer and 24 inches 24 inches Full sun 5 to 9 white early fall ★★★ Calamagrostis × acutiflora ‘Overdam’ Creamy white Tan Pink to Early summer to 48 inches 38 inches Full sun to 5 to 9 and green tan late summer partial shade ★★★ Diarrhena americana Green Golden brown Greenish Midsummer to 36 inches 40 inches Full shade 5 to 7 late summer ★★★ Hakonechloa macra ‘Stripe It Rich’ Yellow and Yellow Yellow- Midsummer to 23 inches 38 inches Full sun to 5 to 9 white green late summer full shade ★★ Hakonechloa macra ‘Sunny Delight’ Green and Pink Yellow- Midsummer to 18 inches 22 inches Full sun to 5 to 9 yellow green late summer full shade ★★ Koeleria glauca ‘Tiny Tot’ Blue-green Tan Green and Early summer to 18 inches 14 inches Full sun 5 to 9 tan late summer ★★★ Molinia caerulea ‘Heidebraut’ Green Golden yellow Purple Midsummer to 50 inches 68 inches Full sun to 5 to 8 late summer partial shade ★★★★ Molinia caerulea ssp. Green Golden yellow Purple Midsummer to 83 inches 83 inches Full sun to 5 to 8 arundinacea ‘Cordoba’ late summer partial shade ★★ Panicum amarum ‘Dewey Blue’ Powder blue Yellow Bluish to Late summer and 78 inches 80 inches Full sun to 5 to 8 tan early fall light shade ★ Panicum virgatum ‘Amber Waves’ Blue-green Red-purple Green Late summer and 45 inches 18 inches Full sun to 5 to 9 and purple early fall light shade ★★ Panicum virgatum ‘Badlands’ Blue-green Purple Purple Late summer and 62 inches 48 inches Full sun to 5 to 9 and purple early fall light shade ★★★ Panicum virgatum ‘Cheyenne Sky’ Blue-green Red-purple Purple-red Late summer and 58 inches 48 inches Full sun to 5 to 9 and purple early fall light shade ★★★ Panicum virgatum ‘Cloud Nine’ Blue-green Golden yellow Pink Late summer and 75 inches 50 inches Full sun to 5 to 9 early fall light shade

★★★ Panicum virgatum ‘Dallas Blues’ Blue-green Golden yellow Purple Early to late fall 86 inches 100 inches Full sun to 5 to 9 light shade

★★★ Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ Blue-green Yellow Pink Late summer and 58 inches 56 inches Full sun to 5 to 9 early fall light shade ★★ Panicum virgatum ‘Huron Solstice’ Red-purple Red, orange- Purple Late summer and 56 inches 48 inches Full sun to 5 to 9 and green yellow early fall light shade ★★★★ Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’ Olive to blue- Yellow Yellow Late summer and 75 inches 48 inches Full sun to 5 to 9 green early fall light shade ★★ Panicum virgatum ‘Prairie Fire’ Blue-green Purple Rosy and Late summer and 48 inches 48 inches Full sun to 5 to 9 and purple-red green early fall light shade ★★ Panicum virgatum ‘Prairie Sky’ Silvery blue- Yellow Rosy and Late summer and 54 inches 58 inches Full sun to 5 to 9 green green early fall light shade ★★★ Panicum virgatum ‘Rostrahlbusch’ Green and Red Pink Late summer and 45 inches 48 inches Full sun to 5 to 9 purple early fall light shade ★★★ Panicum virgatum ‘RR1’ Purple and Ruby red Purple Late summer and 42 inches 42 inches Full sun to 5 to 9 Ruby Ribbons™ green early fall light shade ★★★ Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’ Blue-green Burgundy Purple Late summer and 52 inches 38 inches Full sun to 5 to 9 and purple early fall light shade ★★ Panicum virgatum ‘Strictum’ Blue-green Golden yellow Purple Late summer and 50 inches 65 inches Full sun to 5 to 9 early fall light shade ★★ Panicum virgatum ‘Thundercloud’ Green Yellow Pink Late summer and 96 inches 68 inches Full sun to 5 to 9 early fall light shade ★ Panicum virgatum ‘Trailblazer’ Blue-green Golden yellow, Purple Late summer and 62 inches 48 inches Full sun to 5 to 9 purple early fall light shade ★★★ Panicum virgatum ‘Warrior’ Green and red Yellow, red Purple Late summer and 66 inches 84 inches Full sun to 5 to 9 early fall light shade ★★★★ Pennisetum alopecuroides Green with Bronze to Purple Late summer 50 inches 72 inches Full sun to 5 to 9 ‘Desert Plains’ purple tips orange to late fall light shade ★★ Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Foxtrot’ Green Yellow Purple Late summer to fall 73 inches 63 inches Full sun to 5 to 9 light shade ★★★★ Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Red Head’ Dark green Golden yellow Purple Late summer to fall 60 inches 80 inches Full sun to 5 to 9 light shade ★★★ Pennisetum orientale ‘Karley Rose’ Dark green Yellow Rose-pink Early summer 49 inches 50 inches Full sun to 5 to 8 to early fall light shade ★★ Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Blaze’ Blue-green Red, purple, Silvery Late summer and 50 inches 30 inches Full sun 3 to 9 orange early fall ★★★★ Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Carousel’ Blue-green, Copper, pink, Silvery Late summer and 32 inches 30 inches Full sun 3 to 9 purple mahogany early fall ★★★★ Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Jazz’ Silvery blue- Purple Silvery Late summer to fall 36 inches 30 inches Full sun 3 to 9 green & purple ★★★ Schizachyrium scoparium Blue-green Purple, red, Silvery Late summer and 46 inches 33 inches Full sun 3 to 9 ‘MinnBlueA’ Blue Heaven™ and purple pink, orange early fall ★★ Schizachyrium scoparium Blue-green Purple, red, Silvery Late summer and 43 inches 20 inches Full sun 3 to 9 ‘Prairie Blues’ and purple orange early fall ★★ Schizachyrium scoparium ‘The Blues’ Silvery blue- Orange, red Silvery Late summer and 50 inches 30 inches Full sun 3 to 9 green early fall ★★★★ Sporobolus heterolepis ‘Tara’ Green Orange-red Pink Late summer and 30 inches 36 inches Full sun to 3 to 9 early fall light shade 3 to 9 3 to 9 5 to 9 3 to 9 5 to 9 5 to 8 5 to 8 5 to 9 5 to 9 5 to 9 5 to 9 5 to 8 5 to 9 5 to 9 5 to 7 5 to 9 5 to 9 5 to 9 5 to 9 5 to 9 5 to 8 5 to 9 5 to 9 3 to 9 3 to 9 5 to 9 5 to 9 5 to 9 5 to 9 3 to 9 3 to 9 3 to 9 5 to 9 5 to 9 5 to 9 5 to 9 5 to 9 3 to 9 3 to 9 5 to 9 3 to 9 3 to 9 Z o nes

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arrior’ ™ aves’

W W arrior’ ssp. ™ acutiflora ‘Overdam’ ’ Blue Heaven Grass × ‘Prairie Blues’ ‘Desert Plains’ Ruby Ribbons Diarrhena americana Molinia caerulea Andropogon ternarius Andropogon arundinacea ‘Cordoba’ Panicum virgatum ‘RR1’ Koeleria glauca ‘Tiny Tot’ Schizachyrium scoparium Schizachyrium Schizachyrium scoparium Schizachyrium ‘MinnBlue A Pennisetum alopecuroides Pennisetum Panicum virgatum ‘ W Panicum virgatum ‘Strictum’ Molinia caerulea ‘Heidebraut’ Sporobolus heterolepis Sporobolus ‘Tara’ Panicum virgatum ‘Badlands’ Panicum virgatum ‘Trailblazer’ Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’ Panicum virgatum ‘Prairie Sky’ Panicum virgatum ‘Prairie Fire’ Panicum virgatum ‘Cloud Nine’ Andropogon gerardii Andropogon ‘Red Bull’ Panicum amarum ‘Dewey Blue’ Schizachyrium scoparium Schizachyrium ‘Jazz’ ‘Bull’s gerardii Andropogon Eye’ ‘Bull’s Panicum virgatum ‘Dallas Blues’ Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’ Schizachyrium scoparium Schizachyrium ‘Blaze’ Andropogon gerardii Andropogon ‘Mega Blue’ Panicum virgatum ‘Thundercloud’ Panicum virgatum ‘ A mber Panicum virgatum ‘Cheyenne Sky’ Panicum virgatum ‘Rostrahlbusch’ Panicum virgatum ‘Huron Solstice’ Hakonechloa macra Hakonechloa ‘Stripe It Rich’ Pennisetum orientale Pennisetum ‘ K arley Rose’ Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Foxtrot’ Hakonechloa macra Hakonechloa ‘Sunny Delight’ Schizachyrium scoparium Schizachyrium ‘Carousel’ Andropogon gerardii Andropogon ‘Indian Andropogon gerardii Andropogon ‘Lord Snowdon’ Schizachyrium scoparium Schizachyrium ‘The Blues’ Calamagrostis Pennisetum alopecuroides Pennisetum ‘Red Head’ ★ ★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★ ★★★ ★★★ ★★★ ★★★ ★★★ ★★★ ★★★ ★★★ ★★★ ★★★ ★★★ ★★★ ★★★ ★★★ ★★★ ★★★ ★★★ ★★★ ★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ g R atin

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