Even More Ornamental Grass Talk

Yes, I know that I have a decent ornamental grass collection, but after I pulled out pad and paper to fully document it all, I realized just how big it has become. And you know what, I am pretty damn proud of them, warts and all.

So here is yet another post highlighting some of my OG’s.

Chasmanthium latifolium (Northern Sea Oats) ‘River Mist’ was just a wee little thing when I planted it in spring of 2012 and she has progressed nicely, standing at about 18″ today:

The variegation on this grass is fantastic:

As are the “oats”:

While it is still too soon to make a full blown judgment on this one, I like what I’ve seen so far. Of course that all could change if the reseeding is as rampant as it is with the “standard version”.

This next grass was planted early this spring, but I am already in love. Check out the color on this one:

I mean REALLY check out the color on this one:

How friggin awesome is that? This is Panicum (Switch Grass) ‘Cheyenne Sky’ and while it is only about 10″ high, it is already making quite a statement.

A very similar looking Panicum (Switch Grass), this is ‘Ruby Ribbons’:

A closer shot of the foliage:

I’ve actually had this one for over 4 years now and it has yet to thrive. It has also been nibbled down quite a bit by either the rabbits or the deer so I relocated it, fingers crossed, to a more sheltered spot. The reputation on this one is that it is one of the best red switch grasses so we’ll wait it out a bit more.

Miscanthus ‘Strictus’, after 2 years, is at about 5 feet tall and has held up beautifully the past two fall/winter seasons, even in a completely unsheltered location:

And that leaf variegation is kick butt:

The real test will be when it gets closer to its maximum size of 8 to 9 feet and will it hold up well to adverse conditions?

And finally for today, we have Miscanthus ‘Cabaret’:

Again, another grass with great variegation that is truly visible from a great distance which is why I have it located a good distance from the house:

This OG has held up through the winter and while it has a way to go in terms of growth, all signs point to a winner.

As always, I would hove to hear your thoughts on your experience with any of these grasses.