Plants in family poaceae
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.
Hakonechloa macra 'Beni Kaze'
Hakonechloa macra 'Beni Kaze' is a Japanese ornamental grass forming a 3-foot wide arching clump. Its light green foliage develops a reddish cast that intensifies in the fall, making it suitable for woodland or oriental gardens. This plant adds a graceful touch to shaded areas.
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.
Fargesia denudata
Fargesia denudata is a clumping bamboo species native to northern Sichuan and southern Gansu, China. It is heat-tolerant and grows up to 8 feet tall within five years, forming arching canes. This bamboo is deer-resistant and serves as a food source for giant pandas. It prefers part sun to light shade and is suitable for creating a tropical look in gardens.
Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila'
Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila' is a dwarf pampas grass with narrow, blue-green foliage. It forms a clump topped with fuzzy tan spears in late summer, adding texture to gardens.
Bambusa multiplex 'Green Giant'
Bambusa multiplex 'Green Giant' is a green mutation of Bambusa 'Alphonse Karr', reaching up to 25 feet tall and 8 feet wide. It has better winter hardiness than other cultivars, with canes over 1 inch in diameter. This clumping bamboo is non-invasive but requires ample space to grow.
Fargesia 'Little Red Head'
Fargesia 'Little Red Head' is a hardy, non-invasive clumping bamboo with blue-green shoots and red sheaths in spring. It grows quickly and can tolerate full sun or afternoon shade, making it adaptable to various soil conditions. This bamboo is rarely damaged by deer and is ideal for gardeners seeking a fast-growing, low-maintenance plant.