Jensen Nursery & Garden Centre - News, articles and cooperation

Grass in the garden! A good thing!
Many years ago, we had just a very small selection of grasses for sale. I
asked Kurt Jensen(Dad), “who is going to pay money for grass?” His response was – people should buy
it because it looks good. Looking back to that day it is hard to imagine that perennial and annual
grasses have become one of our biggest sellers! We use the perennial grasses on residential and
commercial properties as well as in containers. The annual grasses can be used for container
gardening or in your flower beds to add color and texture. I have compiled a list of my favorite
grasses! A more extensive list can be found on our website at jensennursery.com

ANNUALS –prefer full sun to part shade

Field of Dreams Ornamental Corn (Zea mays) – Has wide, wavy pink tinged green leaves and grows 4’ –
5’ tall. Paired in a container with a dark purple easy wave petunia - spectacular!

Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum') –This clumping annual has purple foliage, soft
flower spikes, and grows 3’-4’ high. It is great for mass plantings as well as a “thriller”, the
centerpiece in a container.

King Tut (Cyperus papyrus 'King Tut') This unique heat tolerate grass grows 4’-6’ high and loves
moisture. It makes a statement on either side of a front door in a container or nestled around a
pond.

Toffee Twist (Carex flagellifera) Slender bronze leaves elegantly trail over a containers edge
while adding drama and height. This grass can be left out over winter to add interest to a winter
container.

Blue Mohawk (Juncus inflexus 'Blue Mohawk') This tall narrow grass
will grow 2’ – 3’ high and prefers lots of heat. It maintains a bright blue color making it ideal
for adding color and height to a container.

Electra Palm Grass (Cordylina terminalis ‘Electra’) Brilliant red and green variegated foliage
makes this an excellent container “thriller”. It matures at 2’-3’ high and would also work in a
mass planting.
PERENNIALS –prefer full sun to part shade

Eldorado Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora ’Eldorado’)
– This tall grass has narrow green leaves with a bright gold center. Tan wheat like seed heads
appear early in the summer. It matures at 4’ -5’, and is great for mass plantings or as an accent
plant.

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’) – Maturing at 6’
high, this clumping grass has narrow shiny green leaves. The feathery seed heads start white with a
hint of purple then fade to yellow. It is an extremely showy grass as a backdrop to a perennial
garden or as a mass planting.

Overdam Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Overdam’) – One of the showiest ornamental grasses.
Stiff edged leaves are green with white variegation. It grows in an upright arching clump and
matures at 2’-4’ high.

Varigated Tuft Hair Grass (Deschampsia caespitosa 'Northern Lights') - Highly variegated green and
creamy white leaves have a rosy pink blush when emerging in early spring and again as the weather
cools. Maturing at 12” tall this it makes a great container or border plant.

Blue Oat Grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens) – Growing in a clump about 2’ high the clear blue
foliage of this grass is breathtaking. Blue flower heads appear by July and mature to a golden
wheat color.

Flame Grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Purpurascens’) Bright orange-red foliage in fall that grows 4’-5’
stays attractive during the winter. Showy silvery plumes rise over the foliage in summer.

Dallas Blues Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum ‘Dallas Blues’) – A new improved switch grass with
larger upright airy flowers clusters that start in late summer and provide interest throughout the
winter. It turns a rich purplish color in the fall and grows 3’ – 4’.

Boulder Blue Fescue Grass (Festuca glauca 'Boulder Blue') – This dwarf clumping grass matures at
8”-10” tall. A new variety with very bright blue leaves that are thicker and stiffer than most of
the fescues. Great as a flower bed border or an accent in a container.

The Blues Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scop. 'The Blues') – True deep blue foliage and
exceptional burgundy-red fall color make this a must for your yard. It matures at 3’ and can be
used as a container “thriller”.

PLANTNG AND CARE:
PLANTING –In the yard dig a hole twice the size as the pot, add 4 way mix
soil, and plant at ground level. Use “Myke Annual and Perennial” when planting. This is a
microorganism that will promote root growth. In a container use a hanging basket or container mix
instead of a soil.

WATERING – Most grasses do not like to stay wet all the time. I would recommend watering them after
they are planted. After initial planting,
water only when the soil is dry to the touch. Too much water can cause most
grasses to start to rot.

FERTILIZING – I prefer using a time release granular fertilizer in
containers, and Miracle Gro in the yard. Our garden center staff can help you make the choice that
is right for you.

OVER WINTERING CARE – Grasses that are perennial can be left uncut to enjoy over the winter. The
tall swaying flower heads add great winter interest to your yard. Plus they tend to catch more snow
cover when they are not cut down. If you are in an open windy area a covering of peat moss before
freeze up will help them survive the winter. In the spring when temperatures remain above zero,
rake away the peat moss and cut the grass down to approximately 4”.
ENJOY!

Written By Tammy Jensen
Jensen Nursery and Garden Centre
2550 McGillivray Blvd, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Jensennursery.com
Tammy has been involved in the family business for over 17 years.