ornamental grasses - A Selection

The exotic appearance of this perennial grass is undeniably impressive. The strong, upright stems reach up to 180cm (70) in height and are draped in variegated ribbon-like foliage with wide cream margins. The Giant Reed, grown for its dramatic foliage and bamboo-like stature, makes an elegant conservatory pot plant. In late summer, Arundo donax 'Variegata' can be grown at the back of moist, sunny borders to add height and architecture. This half-hardy perennial should be lifted and moved to a

This superb grass offers continuous flower plumes from June to September plus changing colours and textural effects through every season.

Robust sedge for pond margins or bog gardens with stiff, strap-like, glaucous green leaves that provide a striking vertical accent to pond margins and bog gardens.

Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila' is an award winning Pampas Grass which is very sturdy and long-lasting. This hardy perennial is a more compact version of its larger cousin, growing to around 1.2m (3.9'), making it a great choice for smaller gardens and requiring very little maintenance. 'Pumila' is a tufted evergreen which is great for filling gaps in borders and provides interest all year round but is certainly at its best in August when its silver feathery plumes emerge from the center.

Calamagrostis brachytricha is an exceptional grass which bears extremely showy flower heads.

A graceful deciduous grass, Pennisetum alopecuroides forms large clumps of slender arching leaves. From midsummer a profusion of bristly bottle-brush flowers emerge, creating a soft misty effect. Chinese Fountain Grass is a low-maintenance perennial that looks wonderful in prairie-style plantings, cottage gardens and cut flower gardens. The straw-coloured flowers persist as the foliage turns to gold during autumn. Height: 1.5m (5').  Spread: 1.2m (4').

Acorus gramineus 'Ogon' has arching, yellow and green variegated foliage that forms wide fans with a low, clump-forming habit. This eye-catching perennial is grown for its enticing foliage. Slender Sweet Flag thrives in a damp environment, such as a bog garden or as a marginal aquatic at the water's edge. This perennial is ideal for smoothing the edges of ponds with its fragrant, semi-evergreen leaves. Height: 25cm (10). Spread: 35cm (14). Planting depth: Zone 1 & 2 to 5cm depth.

This ornamental grass produces narrow, upright foliage that forms an arching mound over time. The evergreen leaves are copper-bronze making a colourful feature all year round.

Stipa tennuissima is a resilient, low maintenance, hardy perennial that produces displays of fluffy flowerheads emitting a silver shimmer, especially in the sunlight. Forming neat and arching clumps that flutter and tremble in the breeze, the thread-like foliage of this deciduous grass is a great choice in sunny borders where it?s drought tolerance can be on full display. Also great in patio pots, gravel gardens or around the edges of paths as a modern grass addition. Height: 60cm (24). Spread:

Relatively compact variety with arching stems that create a soft fountain-like cascade, the silvery plumes gradually transitioning to white.

This low maintenance perennial ornamental grass is perfect for extending the season of interest in your garden right through autumn. Miscanthus ?Purpurascens? grows quickly between spring and summer, forming an attractive clump of mauve-tinged grassy foliage with tall upright stems which provide a good screen.

A graceful, grass-like perennial with fine blue-green foliage and purple-black flowers, ideal for softening pond edges or enhancing boggy spots with a naturalistic feel.

Carex oshimensis 'Everest' is an ornamental grass that requires very little maintenance. It is simple to care for. Plant it in fertile, moist, and well-drained soil in a location that receives full or partial sun. It has stunning variegated foliage and glossy green arching leaves with a silvery-cream edge. This makes it provide year-round colour and texture. If planted with flowering plants, gravel, or mulch, it is ideal for providing contrast to its surroundings. It is ideal for smaller

Japanese Blood Grass Plants - Red Baron Leaves that change colour! A stunning, spiky-looking grass with lime-green leaves that turn progressively through burgundy-red to claret-blood-red in late summer and into autumn. Ideal for borders or patio containers, it shows good drought tolerance once established. Height 30-50cm (12-20); spread 30cm (12). Middle of border variety. Ideal for bringing a contemporary flavour to borders or containers, these tough, easy-to-grow plants will thrive in most

This giant pampus makes an impressive, architectural feature. Cortaderia selloana 'Pink Feather' forms dense clumps of arching, sharply-toothed, blue-green leaves from which rise huge, plume-like panicles of pink spikelets in late summer and early autumn. The long-lasting, striking flowers add texture, structure and movement to the garden and create dramatic lighting effects when backlit by the evening sun. Height: 1.5-2.5m (5-8.2ft). Spread: 1-1.5m (3.2-4.9ft).Plant height and spread is

Miscanthus ?Lady in Red? is a superb selection that offers a graceful habit, gorgeous flowers and a fabulous finale of autumn colour which continues through into winter.