Grasses in autumn glory - Garden/Mountain Guide - gardening with grasses - Brief Article

Sunset, Oct, 2002 by Marcia Tatroe

During summer, ornamental grasses are supporting actors in the garden, serving mainly as textural foils for their flowering companions. But later in the season, after the flowers fade, grasses assume starring roles as their foliage turns shades of gold and red and their seed heads become kinetic sculptures, swaying and swishing in the breeze.

The species and varieties listed at right thrive in full sun and are hardy to at least Sunset climate zone 2B. All of them are clumpforming perennials.

* Feather reed grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora Karl Foerster') Foliage becomes golden yellow in fall and winter, Reddish purple flower spikes age to straw-colored seed heads. 4 to 6 feet tall.

* Fall-blooming reed grass (Calamagrostis brachytricha), shown at right Burnt orange to burgundy foliage in fall. Purple-tinged flowers fade to buff. 4 feet tall.

* Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium). Bluish green foliage turns blazing burgundy red in fall. 2 to 4 feet tall, Hardy to zone 1.

These grasses are available from High Country Gardens (800/925-9387 or www.highcountrygardens.com).