Plants in family poaceae
Miscanthus sinensis 'Scout'
Miscanthus sinensis 'Scout' is a hardy ornamental grass known for its glossy green foliage with a distinctive white midrib and feathery cream-pink blooms. It is adaptable to both drought and wet soil conditions and is resistant to deer and rabbits. This grass thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a versatile choice for various landscapes. It is cold hardy in USDA zones 5 through 10 and should be pruned in early spring.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Cabaret'
Miscanthus sinensis 'Cabaret' is an ornamental grass distinguished by a wide white band running down the center of its leaves. It produces late-season plumes that can reach up to 7 feet tall, initially reddish-purple before turning tan. This grass is well-suited for sunny locations and can attract butterflies. Its striking foliage and tall plumes make it a popular choice for adding vertical interest to gardens.
Panicum amarum 'Dewey Blue'
Panicum amarum 'Dewey Blue' is a native beach grass known for its soil-stabilizing properties and graceful habit. It grows in dry sand between dunes and features glaucous foliage with airy tan plumes that persist through winter.
Panicum virgatum 'Red Sunset'
Panicum virgatum 'Red Sunset' is an ornamental grass with blue-green stems and leaves that turn bright red early in the season. It features airy panicles of rosy red in late summer and remains sturdy through winter.
Pennisetum 'Princess Molly'
Pennisetum 'Princess Molly' is a dwarf ornamental grass with tricolor foliage, including olive green, purple border, and black-purple stripe. It grows up to 20 inches tall and is ideal for summer gardens and annual containers.
Koeleria glauca
Koeleria glauca is a small ornamental grass with dusty blue clumps that maintain their color year-round. It serves as an accent plant in full sun.
Lolium mairei
Lolium mairei is a soft-textured, flowing grass known for its fountain-like green foliage. This hardy perennial is evergreen in warmer zones and produces tan blooms in the summer. It grows to a height and width of 2-3 feet and is well-suited for USDA hardiness zones 5-9. With low moisture needs once established, it is deer-resistant and ideal for xeriscaping.
Cenchrus setaceus 'Fireworks'
Cenchrus setaceus 'Fireworks' is a variegated purple fountain grass with deep maroon-purple center veins and hot pink margins. It produces soft, fluffy 'foxtails' in late summer and is drought, heat, and humidity tolerant, thriving in USDA zones 9-10.
Cenchrus setosus ssp. setosus 'Hameln'
Cenchrus setosus ssp. setosus 'Hameln' is a compact ornamental grass, a smaller version of fountain grass, known for its wonderful plumes from summer through fall. It forms a tight clump with narrow, arching leaves and bristly, buff-colored seedheads. This drought-tolerant grass prefers full sun and is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.
Cortaderia selloana 'Silver Comet'
Cortaderia selloana 'Silver Comet' is a variegated selection of pampas grass originating from Victoria, Australia. This 48-inch tall clumper features narrow foliage with white edges and dark purple bases. In late summer, it is topped with striking pampas plumes. The plant is hardy, surviving temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit with minor damage. It thrives in sunny locations and is resistant to rabbits, making it a robust choice for ornamental grass displays.
Cortaderia selloana 'Rosea'
Cortaderia selloana 'Rosea', or pink pampas grass, forms large clumps of thick, flowing green leaves topped with foot-long sand-pink feathery plumes. This fast-growing ornamental grass can reach up to 10 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide, preferring full sun and well-drained soil. It requires moderate moisture and should be pruned in early spring to maintain its impressive appearance.
Phalaris arundinacea 'Tricolor'
Phalaris arundinacea 'Tricolor' is a bright white variegated grass that can reach 12 feet in height. It develops a pink cast in bright sun and produces three-foot tall plumes in spring. This slightly stoloniferous plant is suitable for sun to light shade.
Helictotrichon sempervirens 'Sapphire'
Helictotrichon sempervirens 'Sapphire' is a cold-hardy grass with narrow, silvery-blue blades and tan blooms. It has a spreading, mounded habit and performs well in dry soils and coastal conditions. This deer-resistant plant requires full sun and well-drained soil.
Helictotrichon sempervirens
Helictotrichon sempervirens, also known as Blue Oat Grass, is a clump-forming ornamental grass with metallic, silvery-blue foliage. It is known for its showy seed heads in fall and winter and is both urban and deer tolerant. This low-maintenance plant is waterwise once established and is ideal for erosion control.
Bromus inermis 'Skinner's Gold'
Bromus inermis 'Skinner's Gold' is an ornamental grass with green and golden vertically striped foliage. It forms a 2-foot wide clump and produces tall plumes with similar striping. This grass prefers normal to slightly moist soils and adds a striking visual element to gardens.
Festuca glauca 'Boulder Blue'
Festuca glauca 'Boulder Blue' is a cool-season grass celebrated for its intense blue foliage that retains its color throughout the season. This dwarf grass grows to about 6-9 inches tall and wide, forming clump-like, rounded bunches. It is highly drought-tolerant and ideal for xeriscaping, thriving in dry, well-drained soil and full sun. The plant is deer-resistant and can withstand harsh conditions, including high altitudes and heat. Its tan blooms appear in late summer, adding a subtle contrast to the vibrant blue leaves. This evergreen grass is perfect for adding texture and color to gardens.
Cenchrus setosus ssp. setosus 'Cassian'
Cenchrus setosus 'Cassian' is a compact perennial grass with pink-tinted bottlebrush blooms and attractive fall color. It is drought-tolerant and cold hardy, making it a resilient choice for gardens. This grass is resistant to deer and rabbits and can grow in full sun or partial shade.
Cortaderia selloana 'Usballata'
Cortaderia selloana 'Usballata' is a selection from the Andean foothills, known for its formal, arching grey-green foliage. It produces large flower heads in late summer and is hardier than New Zealand selections. This plant is not recommended for cultivation in California.
Chrysopogon zizanioides
Chrysopogon zizanioides, also known as Vetiver, is an ornamental grass from India that grows up to 6 feet tall. It is used for erosion control and its roots are valued for herbal purposes and perfumes. This grass prefers full sun and does not flower in cold winters.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus'
Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus' is a tall, weeping grass known for its creamy white and green pinstriped foliage. This plant produces silver plumes in midsummer and is cold, heat, and salt tolerant. Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus' is a great option for those looking to add a touch of texture to their garden. Its unique appearance and adaptability make it a popular choice for gardeners. This plant is a great option for those looking to add a touch of texture and movement to their landscape.
Cortaderia selloana 'Amber Waves'
Cortaderia selloana 'Amber Waves' is a giant pampas grass known for its dark violet plumes. It forms a large clump, reaching 7 feet tall and 10 feet wide, with plumes that top out 3 feet above the foliage. This plant is native to Argentina and is well-suited for large landscapes. Its striking appearance and resilience make it a popular choice for ornamental grass enthusiasts.
Muhlenbergia sericea
Muhlenbergia sericea is a larger and later-flowering ornamental grass compared to Muhlenbergia capillaris. It forms 2-foot mounds of narrow dark green foliage topped with 40-inch tall plumes of reddish-purple flowers in fall. This plant is a striking addition to gardens, attracting butterflies and providing visual interest.