Calendar of Gardening Programs

‘Moudry’ Black-flowering pennisetum (fountain grass)

Dark green foliage with blackish flowers in late summer. Forms a clump about 2 ft in height. Foliage changes to straw color in winter. This plant will require moisture during our hot summers and may not always perform well on the Gulf coast.

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Silberfeder’: Silver feather Japanese silver grass

Green foliage with a silver stripe down the middle. Grass grows in a vase shape up to 6 feet tall and flowers extend 2-3 feet beyond foliage in late summer. Grass spreads with regrowth in the spring forming small new clumps. This grass is prone to a leaf disease that forms reddish spots all over leaves.

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Adagio’: Adagio Japanese silver grass

More compact grass with silver-gray foliage. Foliage grows to 2 feet with white flowers in summer through fall. Foliage arches over forming a nice weeping appearance.

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Strictus’: Porcupine grass

Horizontal yellow bands on leaves. The plant tolerate wet soil and full sun. If climate is hot, afternoon shade may help plant perform better. Forms upright growth about 3-4 ft in height.

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Arabesque’: Arabesque Japanese silver grass

A large clumping grass, about 5-6 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Excellent performer.

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’: Japanese silver grass

A medium sized species with grass blades more upright. Grows about 3 ft in height.

Muhlenbergia capillaris: Muhly grass

Beautiful specimen grass that forms masses of purple blooms in the fall. Grows best with occasional moisture. Can tolerate some drier conditions and full sun.

Ornamental grasses can be pruned in the late winter (February or March) just before new growth emerges. Pruning the grasses before this time reduces the beautiful winter display of the foliage and flowers. Be careful not to cut the grass to close to the ground when pruning. Leave about 3-4 inches of dormant grass and make sure pruning equipment is sharp.

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Maintained through a cooperative effort of Extension Agents from Alabama, Florida, and Georgia Last Updated Friday, April 20, 2007