Ornamental Grasses

Calamagrostis (Poaceae)

Reed grass

This genus contains about 250 species of perennial, tufted grasses, tolerant of all but the poorest of soil conditions.

Propagation: By division in spring.

Hardiness: Hardy.

Carex( Cyperaceae)

Sedge

This genus contains about 1,000 species, which are distributed throughout the world in temperate and tropical areas. Sedges are very versatile and can be used in nearly every part of the garden. Some species are also described in the section on marginal plants, but the one that is described here prefers much more oxygen around its roots than many of the other sedges.

Propagation: By division.

Hardiness: Hardy to frost tender.

Deschampsia (poaceae)

Hair grass

There are about 50 species of hardy, tufted grasses in the genus. They are found in the cooler parts of the northern hemisphere, and they look exceptionally attractive when they are grouped beside water where the light, airy and wispy panicles are caught by the sun

Propagation: By division in spring

Hardiness: Hardy.

Hakonechloa (poaceae)

The genus contains a single species of deciduous, clump-forming perennial mountain grasses. The species, H. Macra, is native to Japan, where its prefers the cool shade of woodland margins and moist, but well-drained soil.

Propagation: By division in spring.

Hardiness: Hardy.