Search results

Stipa gigantea, also known as Giant Feather Grass, is a species of ornamental grass known for its beautiful and towering presence in outdoor gardens. This grass is native to Southwest Europe and North Africa, but has become popular worldwide as a garden plant due to its stunning appearance and ease of care.

The most prominent feature of Stipa gigantea is its tall, slim silhouette. It can grow up to six feet tall with a spread of up to four feet, making it a commanding presence in any garden. The grass has long, slender blades that are a bright green color and arch gracefully outwards, creating a cascading effect. The blades then turn golden-yellow in the fall, providing a beautiful contrast to the greenery of other plants in the garden. The plants can also be used for ornamental purposes, as the blades are thin and flexible, making them ideal for weaving and other crafts.

The flower stalks of Stipa gigantea are another striking feature. The stalks can reach up to eight feet tall and bear large, billowing panicles of delicate, feathery flowers that sway gently in the breeze. The flowers are long-lasting and stay on the plants through most of the summer and into the fall, putting on a beautiful show for onlookers. The feathery plumes of the flowers are striking when caught by the sun's rays, creating an ethereal, glowing effect.

One of the main reasons that Stipa gigantea is such a popular garden plant is because it is low-maintenance and easy to grow. The grass prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure. It can adapt to a wide range of soil types, but prefers slightly alkaline soil and can also tolerate drought conditions. In the winter, the plant should be cut back to ground level to encourage new growth in the spring.

In summary, Stipa gigantea is an eye-catching and easy-to-grow plant that adds a unique touch to any outdoor garden. Its towering height and feather-like flowers are sure to make a statement, while its low-maintenance needs make it a favorite among gardeners.

Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Overdam' is a striking, upright ornamental grass known for its refined appearance and architectural form. Reaching a height of about 1.2 to 1.5 meters in flower, it forms neat, vertical clumps of narrow green leaves edged with creamy-white margins. This variegated foliage brightens garden spaces from spring through autumn, providing a soft yet structured backdrop to other plants.

In early to midsummer, 'Overdam' produces tall, feathery flower plumes that emerge with a pinkish tinge before maturing to a warm golden-tan. These airy inflorescences rise well above the foliage, adding movement and height, and persist into winter, bringing seasonal interest and subtle texture even in dormant landscapes.

Unlike many grasses, 'Overdam' begins growth early in the season and remains tidy, making it ideal for formal borders, contemporary designs, or as a vertical accent in perennial beds. It performs best in full sun and well-drained soil and is tolerant of urban conditions, wind, and clay soils. Low-maintenance and deer-resistant, it only requires a spring cutback to prepare for new growth. ‘Overdam’ is a versatile, elegant choice for adding structure, brightness, and year-round appeal to gardens.

Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’, commonly called Shenandoah Switch Grass, is an excellent ornamental grass for gardens, prized for its striking foliage and resilience. This warm-season perennial, makes it suitable for a wide range of climates. It grows in upright clumps reaching about 3–4 feet tall, with narrow green leaves that develop deep burgundy-red tones by midsummer, intensifying through autumn.

One of its key advantages is adaptability. It tolerates poor soils, drought, and even periodic flooding once established, making it ideal for low-maintenance landscapes. Shenandoah Switch Grass prefers full sun but can handle light shade, though colour may be less intense. It also resists deer and pests, reducing upkeep.

In gardens, it works beautifully in mixed borders, prairie-style plantings, or as a bold accent in modern landscapes. Its airy, reddish flower panicles appear in late summer, adding texture and movement. Beyond beauty, it provides habitat for birds and supports pollinators.

With minimal watering needs and a strong vertical form, Panicum ‘Shenandoah’ is a versatile, sustainable, and visually stunning choice that enhances gardens with year-round interest.

Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal', commonly known as switchgrass, is a robust and ornamental perennial grass native to North America. This cultivar is prized for its striking, upright growth and steel-blue foliage that adds texture and colour to garden landscapes. 'Heavy Metal' typically reaches a height of 1.2 to 1.5 metres, forming a dense clump that remains sturdy throughout the growing season.

The foliage of 'Heavy Metal' is a distinctive blue-green, turning to a bright golden-yellow in the autumn, providing seasonal interest. Its leaves are narrow and arching, creating a fine-textured appearance that contrasts well with broader-leaved plants. In late summer, this switchgrass produces airy, pink-tinged flower panicles that rise above the foliage, adding a delicate, wispy quality to its overall form. These flower panicles eventually turn to a silvery hue as they mature, providing additional visual appeal and winter interest.

'Heavy Metal' is not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly resilient. It thrives in a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions once established. It is well-suited for full sun exposure, where it achieves the best foliage colour and growth. Additionally, this grass is drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and resistant to most pests and diseases, making it an excellent choice for sustainable gardening.

Beyond its ornamental uses, Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' is also valued for its ecological benefits. It provides habitat and food for various wildlife, including birds and beneficial insects. Its deep root system helps in soil stabilization and erosion control, contributing to healthier ecosystems.

Overall, Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' is a versatile, durable, and attractive addition to any garden, combining aesthetic beauty with ecological functionality.

Carex oshimensis ‘Everillo’ is an exceptionally versatile ornamental grass, making it highly suitable for a wide range of garden styles and conditions. Its striking lime‑to‑golden foliage provides vibrant colour throughout the year, instantly brightening shaded areas where many other plants may struggle. This grass is particularly well‑suited for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and contemporary landscapes, where its arching, soft blades create a sense of movement and texture.

One of its greatest strengths is its adaptability. ‘Everillo’ thrives in partial to full shade but can also tolerate some morning sun, making it ideal for awkward garden spots. It grows in neat, low clumps, so it works beautifully as an edging plant, a groundcover in mass plantings, or as an accent in containers. Its evergreen nature ensures interest through all seasons, and its low maintenance requirements—needing only occasional trimming—make it perfect for busy gardeners.

Furthermore, ‘Everillo’ pairs effortlessly with ferns, hostas, and other shade‑loving plants, creating lush, layered plantings. Whether used in modern designs or naturalistic schemes, this grass enriches gardens with year‑round charm and reliability.

Carex testacea, commonly known as orange New Zealand sedge, is a striking ornamental grass prized for its fine, arching foliage that shifts from olive-green to coppery-orange tones, intensifying in colder months. This evergreen perennial adds year-round texture and color to the garden, particularly in autumn and winter. Compact and clump-forming, it typically grows to around 30–50 cm tall and wide, making it ideal for borders, rock gardens, gravel gardens, or containers.

Carex testacea thrives in full sun to partial shade, though its orange hues are most vibrant in sunnier spots. It prefers well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for low-maintenance and xeriscape gardens.

It pairs well with other grasses, perennials, or architectural plants and is perfect for modern or naturalistic planting schemes. This versatile grass requires minimal upkeep—simply remove old foliage in spring to keep it looking fresh and tidy.

Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola', commonly known as Japanese Forest Grass, is a graceful, clump-forming ornamental grass that brings movement, texture, and vibrant color to shady garden spaces. Its arching, bamboo-like leaves are boldly striped in golden yellow with green margins, creating a luminous effect, especially in low light. In cooler months, the foliage may take on pink or reddish hues, adding seasonal interest.

This compact perennial typically reaches 30–45 cm in height and spreads slowly to form mounded drifts that soften edges and complement neighboring plants. It thrives in part shade to full shade, making it perfect for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or underplanting shrubs and trees. It prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil, though it is tolerant of a range of conditions once established, as long as it’s not too dry or exposed to harsh sun.

‘Aureola’ is particularly effective when planted in groups or used as a foliage contrast alongside hostas, ferns, or heucheras. Its low maintenance, non-invasive nature, and year-round appeal make it a reliable and stylish choice for both modern and traditional garden designs.

Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light' is a stunning ornamental grass that is highly prized for its delicate, airy foliage and graceful form. This clump-forming grass typically grows to a height of 4-5 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide, making it a perfect choice for adding height and texture to any landscape or garden.

The leaves of Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light' are a pale green color with creamy-white margins, creating a beautiful variegated effect that shimmers in the sunlight. The foliage is thin and delicate, which adds a sense of movement to the plant as it sways gently in the breeze.

This ornamental grass is highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of soil types, including clay, sand, and loam. It is also drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscapes.

In late summer, Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light' produces graceful, feathery plumes of tiny, pinkish-white flowers that rise above the foliage. These blooms persist through the fall and into the winter, providing visual interest and texture to the garden even after the growing season has ended.

Overall, Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light' is a beautiful and versatile ornamental grass that adds a touch of elegance and movement to any landscape or garden. It is a great choice for tree nurseries looking to offer their customers a low-maintenance, yet highly attractive ornamental grass option.

Miscanthus sinensis 'Pink Cloud' is a superb choice for gardeners seeking an elegant, low-maintenance ornamental grass that brings movement, texture, and seasonal interest to the landscape. With its fine, arching green foliage and soft, airy plumes that emerge in late summer with a distinctive pink hue, it creates a delicate, cloud-like effect that adds visual softness to garden beds. As the seasons progress, the flowers fade to a silvery-white, remaining attractive well into winter and providing structure and contrast in dormant landscapes.

'Pink Cloud' typically reaches heights of 1.5 to 2 meters, making it ideal for mid-to-background planting in borders or as a graceful screen. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, tolerates drought once established, and is deer-resistant—an added bonus in many garden settings. This grass pairs beautifully with perennials, shrubs, or other grasses in both contemporary and naturalistic designs. In early spring, cutting back old growth allows the fresh, vibrant foliage to emerge cleanly.

Its long season of interest, combined with graceful form and easy care, makes Miscanthus sinensis 'Pink Cloud' a valuable and versatile garden plant.

Miscanthus sinensis 'Yaku Jima' is a compact, clump-forming ornamental grass prized for its graceful form, refined texture, and year-round interest. Typically reaching about 1.2 to 1.5 meters in height, it’s well-suited for smaller gardens or tighter spaces where taller Miscanthus varieties may be overwhelming. Its slender, arching green leaves form neat, fountain-like mounds that sway gently with the wind, bringing dynamic movement and elegance to borders or mixed plantings.

In late summer, ‘Yaku Jima’ produces airy, pink-tinged silvery flower plumes that rise above the foliage, catching the light beautifully and creating a soft, shimmering effect. As autumn progresses, both foliage and flowers take on golden-bronze tones, offering continued visual appeal well into winter.

This cultivar thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and it’s drought-tolerant once established. It requires minimal maintenance—just a tidy cut back in late winter or early spring to prepare for new growth. Deer-resistant and reliable, 'Yaku Jima' pairs well with late-season perennials and other grasses, making it an excellent choice for adding texture, structure, and movement to any garden design.

Dasylirion longissimum, commonly known as the Mexican Grass Tree, is a captivating evergreen succulent that brings a unique architectural flair to gardens and landscapes. Native to arid regions of Mexico, this striking plant features a dense rosette of fine, needle-like leaves that radiate elegantly from a stout, woody trunk. The leaves are dark green and have a smooth, spineless texture, creating a soft, fountain-like effect despite their rigid form.

This drought-tolerant species thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping, modern landscapes, and desert-themed gardens. In mature specimens, Dasylirion longissimum produces a dramatic, towering flower spike with small, cream-colored blooms, attracting pollinators. With its distinctive form, resilience, and low maintenance requirements, this plant offers year-round interest and a sculptural statement to any outdoor space.

Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola', commonly known as Japanese Forest Grass, is a graceful, clump-forming ornamental grass that brings movement, texture, and vibrant color to shady garden spaces. Its arching, bamboo-like leaves are boldly striped in golden yellow with green margins, creating a luminous effect, especially in low light. In cooler months, the foliage may take on pink or reddish hues, adding seasonal interest.

This compact perennial typically reaches 30–45 cm in height and spreads slowly to form mounded drifts that soften edges and complement neighboring plants. It thrives in part shade to full shade, making it perfect for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or underplanting shrubs and trees. It prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil, though it is tolerant of a range of conditions once established, as long as it’s not too dry or exposed to harsh sun.

‘Aureola’ is particularly effective when planted in groups or used as a foliage contrast alongside hostas, ferns, or heucheras. Its low maintenance, non-invasive nature, and year-round appeal make it a reliable and stylish choice for both modern and traditional garden designs.

Miscanthus sinensis 'Ferner Osten' is a clump-forming, deciduous grass with elegant, slender, arching, green leaves, turning coppery orange in autumn. Feathery, plume-like flower panicles emerge in late summer. They are rich red to pink when young and silvery when mature and very ornamental. Miscanthus sinensis 'Ferner Osten' is tough and resilient plant. It can grow in any kind of soil, except waterlogged, but prefers moderately fertile, moist, but well-drained soils in full sun. It is very resistant to frost and low temperatures and suitable for exposed positions. It only needs to be protected from excessive winter wet. It can adapt to coastal conditions. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance plant, requires minimal pruning. Miscanthus sinensis 'Ferner Osten' is a beautiful ornamental grass suitable for cottage, urban, and coastal gardens. Excellent as a specimen plant or planted in masses. Great for flower beds, shrub or mixed borders, or informal, low hedges and screens. Suitable for growing in containers.

Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus', commonly known as porcupine grass or Japanese silver grass, is a clump-forming, warm-season ornamental grass that is native to eastern Asia. It is a popular choice for gardeners who want to add texture and structure to their landscape design. This cultivar is distinguished by its upright growth habit and striking foliage. Its narrow leaves are green with yellow margins, and they grow in an evenly spaced, horizontal banding pattern that gives the plant a distinct porcupine-like appearance. In autumn, the leaves turn golden brown, creating a stunning display of color in the garden. Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus' can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide, making it a substantial plant that can be used as a specimen or in mass plantings. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance.

Molinia caerulea 'Moorflamme' is a compact and elegant ornamental grass celebrated for its upright habit, fine texture, and striking seasonal color changes. Typically growing to around 90–120 cm in height, it forms neat clumps of slender green leaves that remain fresh and tidy throughout the growing season. In late summer, it sends up tall, airy flower spikes tinged with purple that sway gracefully in the breeze, adding height and movement without bulk.

One of its standout features is its vibrant autumn transformation. As the season shifts, the foliage turns brilliant shades of golden yellow, providing a warm, glowing presence in borders, prairie-style plantings, or naturalistic gardens. The seedheads persist into winter, offering structural interest and subtle beauty even in the colder months.

'Moorflamme' thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil, though it tolerates a range of conditions once established. It's low-maintenance and deer-resistant, making it a reliable and attractive choice for gardeners. Its moderate size and refined appearance allow it to blend beautifully with perennials, other grasses, and shrubs in both formal and informal designs.

Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' is a standout cultivar of switchgrass, admired for its strong vertical form, durability, and multi-season appeal. Reaching heights of 1.5 to 1.8 meters, this upright ornamental grass features stiff, blue-green foliage that maintains its narrow, columnar shape even in wind and rain—hence the name 'Northwind'. Its architectural presence makes it ideal for adding structure and contrast in mixed borders, prairie plantings, or contemporary landscapes.

In late summer, 'Northwind' produces fine, airy panicles of golden flower heads that float gracefully above the foliage, catching light and movement. These turn to tan seedheads in autumn, providing food for birds and persistent winter interest. As the seasons progress, the foliage shifts from blue-green to shades of golden-yellow and tan, extending its ornamental value well into the colder months.

This native grass is hardy, drought-tolerant once established, deer-resistant, and low-maintenance. It thrives in full sun and adapts to a range of soil types, including clay. Cut back in late winter or early spring to refresh its growth. Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking bold structure, ecological benefit, and year-round beauty.

Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens,' commonly known as Black Mondo Grass, is an ornamental perennial plant renowned for its striking dark foliage and distinctive appearance. This cultivar belongs to the Asparagaceae family and is native to Japan, where it thrives in woodlands and shaded areas. In the United Kingdom, it has gained popularity as a garden ornamental for its unique aesthetic qualities.

The most notable feature of Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' is its almost-black, strappy leaves that grow in dense clumps. The rich ebony colouration intensifies as the plant matures, creating a captivating contrast with other plants in the garden. During the summer months, it produces small, insignificant bell-shaped, pale pinkish-white flowers on delicate stems. However, it is primarily grown for its striking foliage rather than its flowers.

Black Mondo Grass is a low-maintenance plant, making it an ideal choice for gardeners looking to add drama to their landscapes without excessive effort. It thrives in partial to full shade, making it suitable for shaded borders, rock gardens, or even as ground cover beneath trees. This plant is adaptable to various soil types, provided they are well-drained, and it is relatively drought-tolerant once established.

When it comes to care, Black Mondo Grass requires minimal attention. Pruning is optional but can help maintain its tidy appearance. It is generally resistant to most pests and diseases, making it a hassle-free addition to any garden. In colder regions of the UK, some winter protection, such as a layer of mulch, may be beneficial to ensure its survival.

Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal', commonly known as switchgrass, is a robust and ornamental perennial grass native to North America. This cultivar is prized for its striking, upright growth and steel-blue foliage that adds texture and colour to garden landscapes. 'Heavy Metal' typically reaches a height of 1.2 to 1.5 metres, forming a dense clump that remains sturdy throughout the growing season.

The foliage of 'Heavy Metal' is a distinctive blue-green, turning to a bright golden-yellow in the autumn, providing seasonal interest. Its leaves are narrow and arching, creating a fine-textured appearance that contrasts well with broader-leaved plants. In late summer, this switchgrass produces airy, pink-tinged flower panicles that rise above the foliage, adding a delicate, wispy quality to its overall form. These flower panicles eventually turn to a silvery hue as they mature, providing additional visual appeal and winter interest.

'Heavy Metal' is not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly resilient. It thrives in a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions once established. It is well-suited for full sun exposure, where it achieves the best foliage colour and growth. Additionally, this grass is drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and resistant to most pests and diseases, making it an excellent choice for sustainable gardening.

Beyond its ornamental uses, Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' is also valued for its ecological benefits. It provides habitat and food for various wildlife, including birds and beneficial insects. Its deep root system helps in soil stabilization and erosion control, contributing to healthier ecosystems.

Overall, Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' is a versatile, durable, and attractive addition to any garden, combining aesthetic beauty with ecological functionality.

Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus', commonly known as porcupine grass or Japanese silver grass, is a clump-forming, warm-season ornamental grass that is native to eastern Asia. It is a popular choice for gardeners who want to add texture and structure to their landscape design. This cultivar is distinguished by its upright growth habit and striking foliage. Its narrow leaves are green with yellow margins, and they grow in an evenly spaced, horizontal banding pattern that gives the plant a distinct porcupine-like appearance. In autumn, the leaves turn golden brown, creating a stunning display of colour in the garden. Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus' can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide, making it a substantial plant that can be used as a specimen or in mass plantings. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance.

Festuca glauca 'Intense Blue', commonly known as Blue Fescue, is a striking ornamental grass that is cherished for its vivid blue foliage and compact growth habit. This perennial grass forms neat, dense clumps that typically reach a height of 20-30 cm and spread to about 20-30 cm wide, making it an excellent choice for borders, rockeries, and container planting.

The foliage of Festuca glauca 'Intense Blue' is its most notable feature. The slender, needle-like leaves are a striking silvery-blue, providing a cool, soothing contrast to the greens and other colours in a garden. This intense blue colour is most prominent in the spring and early summer, adding a refreshing splash of colour to the landscape. As the seasons progress, the foliage maintains its appeal, though it may take on a slightly greener hue during the winter months.

In late spring to early summer, Festuca glauca 'Intense Blue' produces delicate flower spikes that rise above the foliage. These flowers start off a soft blue-green and mature to a light tan colour, adding a subtle ornamental element without detracting from the plant's overall blue theme. The flowers can be left in place for winter interest or cut back to maintain the plant's tidy appearance.

Blue Fescue is a hardy plant that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it an ideal choice for low-maintenance gardens. It also works well in urban settings due to its tolerance of pollution and poor soil conditions. Regular trimming of the older foliage in early spring can help maintain the plant's tidy appearance and encourage new growth.

Overall, Festuca glauca 'Intense Blue' is a versatile and visually appealing grass that adds texture and colour to a variety of garden settings, making it a favourite among gardeners looking for year-round interest and low-maintenance beauty.