Ornamental Grasses

Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’

(Heavy Metal Switchgrass)

2007

undefined ‘Heavy Metal’ is a selection of native prairie grass with 5 foot upright, metallic blue leaves. It is terrific in naturalized gardens and mass plantings, particularly when the sun is setting behind. Pink flowers give nice late season color, and their leaves turn yellow in fall. For winter interest, let it stand until early spring. Grow this low maintenance, pest-resistant grass in full sun in average soils. It withstands drought and heat. It can be grown in a diverse range of soils, but moist, sandy, or clay ones are the best. Space new plantings 3 feet apart. Hardy in zones 5-9.

Schizachyrium scoparium

(Little Bluestem)

2022

undefined As a native grass to Long Island, little bluestem is well-suited to our region. It is a bunching grass with an upright growth habit that thrives in dry to normal garden soils. Avoid planting in wet sites. The straight species has a blue-silver hue in summer turning to a red-bronze in fall and winter. The numerous cultivars available provide many height and color variations. In general, little bluestem grows to 2.5 feet by 1.5 feet wide. In late summer the delicate flowers mature to showy, feathery seeds and give little bluestem a soft appearance through fall and winter. This ornamental grass is a powerhouse for both beauty and habitat function. No disease or pest issues and deer ignore it. Divide every few years to maintain vigor. Hardy in zones 3 through 9.

Muhlenbergia capillaris

(Pink Muhly Grass)

2026

undefined This deer-resistant perennial grass is native to much of the Eastern United States. Come late summer and early fall, it offers feathery plumes of pink inflorescence and an upright growth habit. Growth is up to 24 to 30 inches depending on light exposure. This plant is especially tolerant of dry, lean soils and is extremely heat and drought-tolerant once established. This ornamental grass is ideal in groupings and mass plants, against the foundation, perennial gardens, and parking lots. Prefers full sun but will tolerate part shade. Divide very three years to maintain vigor. Hardy in zones 5-11.