Beautiful Fall Grasses

(Grower Talk)

By: Ashley Borzick

Head Horticulturalist

Bloch’s Farm, Green Lake, WI

Did you know that the grass family – Poaceae – is found worldwide and contains about 9,000 species. Grasses are used all over the world for a variety of different reasons. Most people use grass as turf for landscape while others use it as a playground for their children. But when you ask an avid gardener about grasses, the first thing that comes to their mind in ornamental grasses.

There are annual ornamental grasses that are not hardy in our zone which is zone 4, while there are also perennial ornamental grasses that are hardy and will come back year after year. I’m going to focus on the perennial grasses. These are the grasses that you see right now in full bloom.

Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ is strictly upright grass that is blue toned. The stems are very strong and do not tend to lean or flop even during heavy rains. This grass reaches five feet tall in bloom. The inflorescences have pink tones that are very beautiful during the fall.

Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’ is one of the most popular grasses on the market today. The common name is red switch grass. This is a unique grass because of its  burgundy fall color. The grass is green in early summer, taking on dark red tones in early July and fully turning by September. This grass stands 4 feet tall.

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Graziella’ leaves are narrow and green. The silver blooms are peak in August through Early September. These inflorescences are very fluffy in appearance and reach seven feet tall. Graziella is an upright grass with fall foliage a rich copper red and orange. This is a beautiful grass that is refined and is often mistaken for pampas grass which is not hardy to our zone.

The above grasses are just a few of my favorites. Remember there are over 9.000 species of grasses around the world.  Bloch’s Farm has a wide variety of these fall blooming beauties. They are available in one gallon containers as well as three gallon. Right now is the perfect time to add some seasonal interest to your landscape. For further information on grasses, stop by Bloch’s Farm and talk with one of our retail staff members.

Have a topic that you want to know more about?

Email ashley@blochsfarm.com