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Grasses, sedges, and bamboos
PLANT AND MATERIALS GUIDE
322
Acorus calamus ‘Argenteostriatus’
An undemanding evergreen, the sweet rush, or sweet flag,
thrives in damp or boggy soils, making it the perfect plant
for the shallows of a pond edge. Like all acorus, it is
non-invasive, and its strong cream variegation will remain
vivid, even in deep shade.
/18 in (45 cm) 118 in (45 cm)*,-/0
Anemanthele lessoniana
Fine-leaved pheasant’s-tail grass has a pleasing arching habit.
In summer, it produces purplish flower spikes; in winter, the
evergreen leaves turn an eye-catching orange-brown. Leave
the seedheads—hungry birds will quickly tidy them up during
winter. The plant may need protection in cold areas.
/3 ft (1 m) 14 ft (1.2 m))+,./
Arundo donax var. versicolor
The striking variegation of the evergreen giant reed (the white
stripes turn a creamy yellow in summer) makes it a popular
choice, although it is less vigorous than the green form and
not as hardy. In cold areas, enjoy it outdoors in summer, then
bring it under cover for the winter; grow it in a pot for flexibility.
/7 ft (2.2 m) 16 ft (2 m))+,/0
Briza maxima
One of the most attractive of the annual grasses, quaking
grass is easy to grow from seed (sow into individual modules
for the best results). The nodding flowerheads rattle in the
lightest breeze, making it clear how the common name arose.
The stems dry well for flower arranging.
/12 in (30 cm) 19 in (23 cm)*+./0
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Overdam’
Use the striped feather reed to make a strong vertical accent
in prairie-style planting. As the leaves emerge in spring, there
is a pink tinge to the green and white variegation; cutting the
foliage back in late summer will encourage a second flush of
new growth. Unfussy, the plant tolerates most soils.
/3 ft (1 m) 14 ft (1.2 m)*+.
Carex buchananii
This striking evergreen sedge from New Zealand has slender,
coppery-brown leaves with a hint of a curl. It is stiffly upright
when young, becoming more arching with age, and it contrasts
well with golden sedges and blue grasses. In early spring,
comb out any dead leaves with a fork, or cut them back.
/2 ft (60 cm) 12 ft (60 cm))+,./
Carex elata ‘Aurea’
Deservedly one of the most widely grown sedges, Bowles’
golden sedge produces a broad spray of vibrant yellow
leaves, edged in green. In summer there is the added bonus
of feathery brown flower spikes. A compact, deciduous
plant, it produces its best color in partial shade.
/30 in (75 cm) 13 ft (1 m)*,-/0
Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’
The low-arching habit of this neat evergreen sedge makes it a
useful plant for containers or as ground cover in shade, where
its long golden yellow and thinly striped green leaves add a
touch of light color. Like many sedges, it is happy in boggy soil
and makes a decorative addition to poolside plantings.
/20 in (50 cm) 118 in (45 cm)*,-/0
Carex testacea
In full sun, the hair-thin, olive-yellow leaves of this sedge
develop orange tints. In midsummer, small brown flower
spikes appear. A New Zealand plant, it forms dense,
evergreen mounds, but it is not as hardy as its relatives
and it may need winter protection in cold areas.
/18 in (45 cm) 13 ft (1 m))+,./
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