Thanks @Plantminded No, we won't try again next year. We kept one small clump of Calamagrostis Karl Foerster, and all of our Miscanthus Ferner Osten (as that coped pretty well with the drought conditions).
Another good golden grass is carex elata aurea. Brilliant colour in spring especially, sun brings out the gold more I think. Doesn't seed around with me, divides well. This was taken in early June.
Stipa gigantea is classed as evergreen so it is more a question of combing out old leaves in early spring to tidy it up. However, I break the rules and cut mine back by about a third instead. It has been growing in the same place for over 15 years, I have only needed to split it once. They can start to hollow out in the middle that is the time to lift and split. Some years ago I came across Stipa Gold Fontaene which is a taller form 8 feet tall and more upright. This spring I managed to get a large pot full but it will still take a few years to see if it is any better in my soil, it is slow at first.
Early spring is the down time for grasses they are messy, the one point in the year that they need attention. In the Midlands I cut the deciduous forms in mid February. If you have alot of them to do, good idea is to tie string around the base and cut with shears just above. Stops it going everywhere or at least it helps .
Grasses can be split as they start to really grow again, the large Miscanthus are hard work as there is a dense root just below the surface. Bulbs such as tulips planted in the general area will give interest as they start to regrow. When buying get a big plant if you can as a small one takes time to establish. This also applies when splitting large pieces are best. In the dormant season leave all grasses well alone.
Pennisetums are an exception here I cut back in April, they are more tender and some have to be treated as annuals as they are not frost hardy.
Given heights are only a guide as soil conditions play a part. Full sun is best, they are happy in my clay soil, if the winter is very wet they can suffer but I have never lost any. If you are interested in plants for a winter garden try Calamagrostis Karl Foerster it will stand tall all winter. Looks good planted in groups or repeated along a border.
If you are unable to grow plants that like a deep soil but still want drama grasses are wonderful. Hope this is helpful to anyone thinking about growing them.
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
Hakonechloa are excellent for shade, I have H. macra Aurea growing in almost full shade and it really shines.
I agree @Punkdoc. I planted a group under a large Acer in the summer, following a suggestion on the Knoll Gardens website. Perfect for shade and doesn't look too bad now that it's turning brown and a bit ragged!
Posts
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
This was taken in early June.
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
Early spring is the down time for grasses they are messy, the one point in the year that they need attention. In the Midlands I cut the deciduous forms in mid February. If you have alot of them to do, good idea is to tie string around the base and cut with shears just above. Stops it going everywhere or at least it helps .
Grasses can be split as they start to really grow again, the large Miscanthus are hard work as there is a dense root just below the surface. Bulbs such as tulips planted in the general area will give interest as they start to regrow.
When buying get a big plant if you can as a small one takes time to establish. This also applies when splitting large pieces are best. In the dormant season leave all grasses well alone.
Pennisetums are an exception here I cut back in April, they are more tender and some have to be treated as annuals as they are not frost hardy.
Given heights are only a guide as soil conditions play a part. Full sun is best, they are happy in my clay soil, if the winter is very wet they can suffer but I have never lost any.
If you are interested in plants for a winter garden try Calamagrostis Karl Foerster it will stand tall all winter. Looks good planted in groups or repeated along a border.
If you are unable to grow plants that like a deep soil but still want drama grasses are wonderful. Hope this is helpful to anyone thinking about growing them.
That Carex is also a good one to know @Woodgreen, I like lime green with orange and purple flowering perennials.