Fuzzy wuzzy grass appeal
August 02, 2010
Purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’) is downright pettable at this time of year.
Each inflorescence starts out raspberry colored…
…then softens to a reddish brown.
Diminutive ruby grass (Melinis nerviglumis ‘Pink Crystals’) blooms are a soft pink….
…but very pettable too.
See how small and cute this grass is?
So ‘fess up. Are you feeling up your plants these days? If not, you may need to add a few ornamental grasses to your garden.
All material © 2006-2010 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
I love my ornamental grasses too! I didn’t realize how soft Miscanthus is till I saw some at the nursery just the other day. I really like that ruby grass, I’ll have to see if I can find that.
Hi, Alison. I love miscanthus blooms too. The leaves are sharp and will leave irritating paper-cut like scratches, but the fringey inflorescence is soft and feathery. —Pam
It is the time to see the fuzzy wuzzy thing showing up in the garden. I just love them all backlit around 8:30pm. Time to play with the camera!!!!! Great shots.
Thanks, CIMS. Have fun with your fuzzies. —Pam
I had some purple fountain grass where I used to live and I loved it. I planted some here, but it didn’t make it through the freeze. I haven’t got around to replacing it yet.
Although it will sometimes return in Austin, I’ve never found it to be vigorous in its second season. It’s best to treat it as an annual here. —Pam
What would the garden be without the grasses. Pink crystals is one of my favorites and I love it more because it just reseeds itself every year putting on a stunning show in the fall. I collected seeds last fall but need not have bothered. The seeds in the gravel made it through the winter. Purple fountain grass though is not hardy for me. Is yours?
No, I consider it an annual, Jenny. —Pam
Yes…Yes…Yes…
I fondle, I stroke, I…(ahem) Oh don’t get me started on ornamental grasses!
Purple fountain grass? An absolute garden jewel. I love the breeze capturing habit of this grass, a grass that has gone crazy with this years moisture. Mine are waist high already with seed-heads (like yours) already set. It is like Mex.feather grass in movement. I always plant as much as my budget allows every year. I have had it return the following year, but it never seems to be as robust. I treat it as an annual, one of the only “annuals” in the Patch that I HAVE to plant every year, and I am not an annual person.
Must get Melinis nerviglumis next year!
Your photographs of these grasses were great.
ESP.
I’m sure that Rock Rose or I can save some seedling Melinis for you. It’s very prolific. I’ve been plucking tiny seedlings from my decomposed granite. —Pam
I’m glad I’m not the only one who can’t resist running my hands through grasses whenever I pass by…there is something so reassuring about the tactile sensation.
Irresistible is the word. And who would even want to try to resist running their hands through a soft seedhead? —Pam
Hi! I love your agaves and your garden is beautiful. You take some wonderful shots. That plant called Chocolate chips is so cool. Is it a succulent. That’s what I am all about. Just love them. If I could dig up my yard I would. I use some blue fescue and mexican grass in my rock/succulent gardens. Makes them look more natural.
Candy
Thanks for visiting, Candy. Yes, the ‘Chocolate Chips’ manfreda is indeed a succulent. If you haven’t grown any manfredas you might want to try a few. They are less spiky than most agaves and yuccas but still have that star shape. ‘Macho Mocha’ mangave, a cross between a manfreda and an agave, is a real giant and one of my faves. —Pam
simply beautiful
Love those grasses. I have a few. Purple Fountain is in bloom. I put them in pots to see what they will do before putting them in the ground.