Tag Archives: ornamental grasses

Horticulture Report: Sedges

Posted on by

 

Plant Name:  Carex species: There are more than 1,500 species of these perennials.

Common name:  Sedges

Plant Type:  Deciduous or Evergreen Perennials

Plant Height:  12” – 4’

Plant Width:  10” – 12”

Bloom Time:  Varies

Flower Color:  Stems & Panicles of flower heads in short spikes. Provides Interesting Foliage and Movement.

Exposure: Part Shade to Full Shade, some varieties will take Full Sun, (check specific plant’s preference)

Soil Requirements: Carex grow in soils ranging from 5.5 to 7.5 on the pH scale. Most average garden soils fall between a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.

Water Needs:  Some like Wetter Sites, Some Drier Conditions. Check variety for water needs.    

Fire Resistant:  YES;  Zone 1 – 8;   Plant 30’+ from house

Attributes: Deer Resistant, Provides 3- seasons of Interest, Easy to grow, Low maintenance; Wide Range of Colorful Grass-like Foliage; Adds Drama to a Landscape, Adds Texture, Host plants for butterflies and skippers.  Beneficial to pollinators by providing cover in the winter. Excellent seed source for birds. Provides Texture and Movement in a landscape.       

Uses:  Carex species to suit just about any situation. Mass plantings, Ground Cover, Container Plantings, Rockery gardens, Lining Sidewalks, Edging Flowerbeds, and more. 

Note: May be Susceptible to Rust, Smut, Leaf Spot, Aphids.

Native to: Found Worldwide

Oregon Native:  NO

 USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 – 9, check variety for hardiness in your zone. 

  • Carex buchananaii
  • Carex glauca
  • Carex morrowii (variegated)
Carex Albula

Report by: Viki Ashford, and Carlotta Lucas, both AGC Board Members

Photos by Monrovia Nursery: https://www.monrovia.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=carex

Oregon Native: Tufted Hairgrass

Posted on by

Plant Name:  Deschampsia cespitosa
Common name:  Tufted Hairgrass
Plant Type:  Ornamental Grass
Plant Height:  2’ – 3’
Spread:  1’ – 2’
Bloom Time: July – September
Flower Color:  Tones of Gold, Silver, Purple, Green
Exposure:  Part Shade
Soil Requirements: Average, Medium, Moist, Well-Drained Soil;
Water Needs: Medium
Attributes:  Showy Flowers; Attracts Birds; Winter Interest; Airy Panicles of Variably-Color form a cloud that is attractive when backlit; Deer Resistant.
Note:  Cut Foliage to Ground in Late Winter
Uses: Ground Cover; Rock Gardens; Mixes well with Shade Loving Perennials; Butterfly Gardens, Woodland Gardens.
Native to:  Most of North America
Oregon Native:   YES
USDA Hardiness Zone:  4 – 9

Report by: Viki Ashford

Hakone Grass

Posted on by

Plant Name:  Hakonechloa macra ‘All Gold ’Hakonechloa macra ‘All Gold _
Common name:  Japanese Forest Grass ‘All Gold’ or Hakone grass
Plant type:  Ornamental grass
Height: 15- 18 inches
Spread:   24  inches
Flowers: Yellow-green
Bloom Time: July & August
Exposure:  Part Shade
Soil Requirements: Humus, well draining
Water Needs: Moist & Regular
Attributes:   Colorful golden yellow leaves
Note:   Tolerates Black Walnut
Uses:  Containers,  Woodland Gardens,  Accent Plant, Walkways, Slopes, Shaded Rock Gardens, Naturalize
Native to:  Central Japan
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9

Ornamental Grasses

Posted on by

Written by: The Pecks
For The Oregonian/OregonLive

A highlight from the article:Muhlenbergia capillaris.jpg

Interview with Josh Cady of Monrovia Nursery:.
“–Ornamental grasses, though considered low maintenance, need to be cut back before new spring growth each year. I always tell people to wait until they can’t stand how they look anymore, and then cut them back, which for me is usually by late winter. They are wildlife-friendly and an important food source for birds. They also lend a surreal beauty to a frozen winter garden.
–The best time to plant is August and September, but any time of the year is fine for the more hardy varieties.  Amend the soil with garden lime when planting.
–Josh recommends cutting back small and medium grasses with shears or pruners and larger clumps by using duct tape to gather the blades into a tight bundle, then cut with hedge pruners.”

Pruning  (http://growbeautifully.monrovia.com/pruning-ornamental-grasses)

Read full article, Ornamental Grasses You Simply Must Have, here:
http://www.oregonlive.com/hg/index.ssf/2017/10/ornamental_grasses_you_simply.html

Horticulture Report: Pink Muhly

Posted on by

Plant Name: Muhlenbergia capillaries muhlenbergia-capillaris
Cultivar: Pink Muhly
Plant type: Evergreen Ornamental Grass
Height:   3 foot  X  3 foot wide
Bloom Time: Fall
Flower Color: Rosy Red
Exposure: Full Sun
Soil Requirements: Well drained soil, dry conditions.
Water Needs: Once established, Water only occasionally.
Attributes: Showy Fall Color, Water Wise Plant, North American Native.
Note: Adapted to reflected heat, dry sites and poor soils.
Uses: Borders, Screening, Containers, Fall color, Mass Plantings.
USDA Zone: 6-9

Garden of the Month: July 2014

Posted on by
At first glance, past the tastefully built fence, is a small front garden, struggling a bit as are all of our gardens at this time of year and in this weather. Many of the plants are drought resistant – lavender, rosemary, and ornamental grasses leading up to the front porch. The fence was originally built by the owners, Alan Steed and Jo Wayles. Later, probably as the deer multiplied, Dale Shostrom added an extension that looks like it has always been there.01-P1010141
The real treasure is the garden in the back of the home.
Originally a gravel driveway leading to the garage, the back was fenced off and the garden planning began. After a lovely remodel and addition, Ted Loftus, Landscaper, graded the area, adding terraced elevations, walls, walkways and an inviting private patio laid in a circular design – a trumpet creeper climbs above the bench.02_image[1] 2
Fruit trees, heavy with peaches, pears, plums and the first season of cherries, dot the garden. Blueberries and raspberries grow among a Japanese Maple, penstemon, dahlias and honeysuckle. And, much to my surprise, barely July and the earliest red ripe tomatoes I’ve ever seen. 
03_image[1]
In addition, from Leave Your Mark, a beautiful rock water feature stands at the top of the garden amid lilies and springtime tulips.
04_P1010137

Alan and Jo will open their garden for Ashland Garden Club members.
The date and time has been email to members.  Alan will be available to answer questions

05_P1010140by Kaaren Anderson