Ornamental grasses

Feather grass flowers capture attention in beds and bouquets with their lightness and delicacy. All feather grasses love full sun and dry, stony, well-drained soil. To look most natural in beds, it is good to plant them in loose groups of several pieces together with other drought-loving perennials and bulbs. Only then do their stems and inflorescences, set in motion by the slightest breath of wind, truly stand out. Stipa 'Ponny Tails' is a species native to the steppes of Mexico, Texas, and Patagonia. Airy, dense clumps of hair-like delicate leaves resemble horsehair. The leaves are green, turning up to straw-colored towards the flowers. In a suitable location, it also self-seeds.

Autumn moor grass is an exceptionally hardy ornamental grass that introduces fresh greenery to the garden right from early spring. Native to the rocky slopes of the Balkans, it is well-adapted to free-draining soils, making it an ideal choice for novice gardeners. It forms neat clumps growing thirty to fifty centimeters tall. Its greatest asset is its bright green foliage, which emerges early and remains in pristine condition in the borders well into winter. The plant is untouched by diseases or pests and handles severe frosts superbly. In August and September, delicate creamy-beige flowers appear above the foliage. These rather subtle spikelets give the plant an elegant, refined look. In the garden, it acts as a perfect filler perennial for sunny or partially shaded spots. It looks absolutely stunning paired with calamint, airy gaura, or flowering oregano. Its delicate flowers and leaves are easily used as foliage filler in fresh bouquets, or they can be dried for small-scale floristry projects.

Fountain grasses originate from East Asia, where they grow in meadows and light forests. They form hemispherical clumps of narrow leaves which, like the flowers, color up in the autumn. They are suitable for the vase and for drying. The 'Hameln' cultivar is one of the most reliable bloomers in cooler regions. The inflorescences initially have a soft pink tinge, then change color to yellow-brown or reddish-brown.

Tufted hairgrass is an undemanding native grass that remains green even in winter. In nature, it grows in meadows and forest clearings. It forms a compact tuft of leaves, from which grow fine, thin stems with transparent clouds of flowers. It adapts even to more difficult conditions, such as dry shade or compacted soil, and can handle waterlogging. Goldschleier has very tiny spikelets in light yellow panicles. The inflorescence forms a fluffy light yellow cloud above the tuft of leaves.

Prairie dropseed originates from the vast North American prairies, where it forms a natural part of the wild and unbridled landscape. This ornamental grass grows in neat and very dense clumps of fresh green leaves, which turn bright yellow shades in autumn. During August and September, delicate clouds of pink and beige flowers hover above the clumps on sturdy stalks, reaching a height of up to seventy centimeters. The flowers also spread a very pleasant and unmistakable fragrance into their surroundings. In the garden, prairie dropseed stands out best when planted in a sunny spot in groups of multiple plants accompanied by other drought-tolerant perennials, with which it will create an impressive steppe scenery. The seedlings do not require any complicated care, they easily handle frosts down to minus twenty-eight degrees, and do not suffer from any diseases or pests. The airy and fragrant inflorescences are also perfectly suited for cutting into summer bouquets, to which they add unusual lightness and texture.

Tufted hairgrass is an undemanding native grass that remains green even in winter. In nature, it grows in meadows and forest clearings. It forms a neat clump of leaves, from which grow delicate thin stems with transparent clouds of flowers. It adapts even to more difficult conditions, such as dry shade or compacted soil, and can handle waterlogging too. The Czech cultivar 'Pálava' is valuable for its extra-long flowering time from July to October. Unlike other cultivars, its flowers are sterile and do not create any seedlings. It is stated that it resists drought best of all tufted hairgrasses.

Blue moor grass is an elegant and undemanding native grass that livens up the spring garden at a time when other plants are just waking up. In the wild, it naturally grows in warmer areas on rocks and sunny slopes with well-drained soil. It forms dense, neat clumps growing to a height of about thirty centimeters. Its main advantage is its striking grayish-green and dark green leaves, which, with sufficient moisture, remain evergreen all year round. During April and May, the moor grass blooms with interesting brown spikelets. Over time, these flowers naturally fade into soft beige tones, and when dried, they are perfectly suited as a delicate addition to small dry arrangements. In flowerbeds, it represents an ideal companion for spring bulbs, with which it forms very harmonious compositions. Cultivation can easily be managed even by a beginner, as the plant does not suffer from any diseases or pests and can withstand frosts down to minus twenty-eight degrees without damage. Simply transplant the supplied mature seedling to a sunny or partially shaded location, ideally maintaining a planting distance of around forty centimeters.

A tufted, upright growing grass. It sprouts very early. Decorative with its overall vertical habit and fine panicles of flowers, which bloom silvery grey. Striking with its white variegated leaves. It adorns the garden until winter. You can plant it in mixed beds or use it as an element rhythmically dividing the space. Usable for bouquets and drying.

A perennial grass native to North American prairies. Switchgrass is very adaptable and long-lived. It adds clear structure to flower beds while also functioning as a softening element. This happens mainly after the veil-like flowers appear above the clumps of leaves. Northwind is a cultivar with an upright and slender growth habit. Its grey-blue-green leaves turn bright golden in the autumn.

A beautiful fine grass originating from the southern parts of North America. It has narrow gray-green leaves. The flowers bloom in fluffy clouds of deep pink color, creating the impression of a light haze over the flower bed. Beautiful for bouquets too.

Fountain grasses originate from East Asia, where they grow in meadows and light forests. They form semi-spherical clumps of narrow leaves which, like the flowers, color up in autumn. They are suitable for vases and for drying. The cultivar Hameln Gold turns golden yellow in autumn.

Lovegrass originates from the sun-drenched plains of North America, where it naturally grows on dry and well-drained soils. This undemanding tufted grass is an ideal choice for beginner growers, as it does not suffer from any diseases or pests and easily handles frosts down to minus twenty-three degrees. During the season, its green leaves will catch your eye, gradually acquiring a warm orange to wine-red hue as autumn approaches. It stands out primarily in group plantings or in combination with drought-tolerant perennials, where it can beautifully soften and visually connect the entire composition. The real magic, however, lies in its blooming. During August and September, it creates literal clouds of tiny pink flower panicles above the leaf clumps, hovering at a height of around fifty centimeters. For its airiness and elegance, lovegrass is also exceptionally popular for cutting. Florists love to use it in summer and autumn bouquets, to which it adds lightness and volume. It is also perfect for drying, so you can preserve its charm for winter arrangements as well.

Melica ciliata grows wild on sunny and warm stony slopes. It blooms as early as May to June with creamy to silvery-white panicles; as they fade, they turn gray and thus harmonize with the gray-green leaves. Valuable for florists due to its early flowering and usability in both fresh and dried states.

Tufted hairgrass is an undemanding native grass that remains green even in winter. In nature, it grows in meadows and forest clearings. It forms a neat clump of leaves, from which grow delicate thin stems with transparent clouds of flowers. It adapts even to more difficult conditions, such as dry shade or compacted soil, and can handle waterlogging too. 'Tardiflora' is, after 'Pálava', one of the most richly flowering tufted hairgrasses. It blooms a bit later than the others.

Feather grass flowers captivate in beds and bouquets with their lightness and delicacy. All Feather grasses love full sun and dry, stony, well-drained soil. To look most natural in beds, it is good to plant them in several pieces in loose groups together with other drought-loving perennials and bulbs. Only then will their stems and inflorescences, set in motion by the slightest breeze, stand out. *Stipa capillata* is a native steppe grass also widespread elsewhere in southern, central, and eastern Europe. It forms solid grey-green clumps with upright stems. The flowers, in the form of beige awns, stand almost horizontally away from the stem when ripening and twist interestingly.

A perennial grass native to North American prairies. Switchgrass is very adaptable and long-lived. It adds clear structure to flower beds while also functioning as a softening element. This happens mainly after the veil-like flowers appear above the clumps of leaves. Characteristic for the cultivar Rehbraun are fluffy brown-red spikes and leaf tips, colored to copper and brown-red from August.

Quaking grass 'Tinkerbell' is an undemanding native grass whose delicate appearance will enchant in any natural garden. It naturally grows in drier meadows across Europe, where it seeks poorer and well-drained soils. It easily handles less nutritious substrates, does not suffer from diseases, and effortlessly survives severe frosts. It forms dense green clumps from which thin stalks carrying unmistakable inflorescences sprout from May to July. The tiny spikelets in the shape of small plump hearts play with yellow and brown tones. They are famous for their trembling at the slightest breeze, which adds dynamics and lightness to flower beds. The compact 'Tinkerbell' variety grows to a height of fifty centimeters and behaves as a short-lived perennial. It perfectly complements drought-tolerant perennials in full sun. It remains very attractive until August, when it is good to trim it after blooming. For florists, it is an absolute treasure. The stalks are beautiful in fresh summer bouquets and are perfectly suited for drying, retaining their shape long-term in floristry arrangements.

Quaking grass 'Limouzi' is an undemanding and very charming native grass that naturally grows in sunny meadows and pastures with poorer and well-drained soil. From May onwards, long thin stalks sprout from its dense green clumps, carrying delicate spikelets in the shape of small hearts swaying on them. They are colored in inconspicuous green and brown tones. It is their constant movement and rustling at the slightest breeze that gives the flower beds extraordinary dynamics and lightness. This short-lived perennial, growing to a height of around half a meter, is perfectly suited to complement colorful steppe plantings, where it creates a soft filler between more prominently flowering species. It will also find its use among beginner growers, as it does not suffer from diseases or pests and handles strong frosts without problems. The airy inflorescences of quaking grass are perfect for cutting into summer bouquets and for drying for various floristry purposes. After blooming, roughly at the end of summer, it is good to trim the clumps, which will encourage their fresh appearance. The 'Limouzi' cultivar is characterized by its abundant flower set and slightly more compact growth, which maintains its shape even in more demanding conditions.

A delicate, drought-resistant steppe grass grown for its unusual inflorescences. The horizontally positioned spikelets look like small flags and resemble a buzzing swarm of mosquitoes. Mosquito grass fits well in natural gardens with other drought-loving plants. It will grow very well even in a larger pot. It lasts up to 14 days in a vase.

Blue-green moor grass is an undemanding and reliable ornamental grass that brings structure and color to the spring garden at a time when most other plants are just waking up. It naturally grows on sunny to semi-shady rocky slopes and edges of light forests in southeastern Europe, where it has perfectly adapted to well-draining soils. Thanks to its origin, it is extremely hardy against frosts down to minus twenty-eight degrees and does not suffer from any common diseases or pests. Even a complete beginner can grow it without any problems. The potted seedling simply needs to be transplanted to a chosen spot in the flowerbed, ideally into well-draining soil in full sun or light partial shade. The plant will soon form dense clumps and will captivate you especially with its unique two-toned leaves. Their upper side carries a cool blue-green shade, while the underside is elegantly grayish. As early as March, sturdy stems bearing unconventional dark purple-black spikes grow from these clumps, contrasting unexpectedly with pastel yellow and creamy stamens. The inflorescences persist until May and perfectly complement spring bulbs. The dark spring spikes with long stems also represent an interesting floristic element. They can be used in the first spring bouquets, where they stay fresh in a vase for about a week, or you can let them dry for use in long-lasting dried arrangements.

Chasmanthium is one of the most charming ornamental grasses, bringing movement and a gentle rustling sound to the garden. It originates from the eastern part of North America, where it naturally grows in light, damp forests or on the banks of streams, so it is best suited to partial shade and humous, non-drying soil. Its greatest adornments are the flat spikelets resembling small fish, which hang from arched, drooping stems and change color throughout the season from fresh green through beige to warm copper tones, while the leaves turn golden-yellow in autumn. Chasmanthium is an excellent choice for cutting into fresh bouquets, where it adds airiness, and it looks even better dried, retaining its shape and color for a long time. Furthermore, it is a fully frost-hardy perennial that easily handles winters and will please any grower with its low-maintenance nature.

A beautiful, delicate woodland grass with evergreen overwintering leaves and interesting white inflorescences. An interesting element for spring beds. The flowers are suitable for fresh bouquets as well as for drying.

'Edith Dudszus' represents a more compact form of purple moor grass that fits even into smaller perennial beds. This perennial grass forms dense clumps of narrow green leaves, from which upright stems topped with fine panicles emerge in the second half of summer. The cultivar is prized for its dark purple inflorescences, which create a wonderful contrast with the light green of the leaves. With the arrival of autumn, the whole plant transforms and brightens the garden with shades of yellow and rich orange. It is an ideal plant for beginners because it does not suffer from pests or diseases and perfectly handles our climatic conditions, including severe frosts. It thrives in sunny and partially shaded spots, ideally with well-drained loamy soil that retains moisture. The flower stems are strong and node-less, which is the origin of its Czech name. In floristry, they are very popular for their longevity in a vase, but they will make the greatest show in dried arrangements or left in the flower bed for a winter effect.

Fountain grasses originate from East Asia, where they grow on meadows and in light forests. They form hemispherical clumps of narrow leaves, which, like the flowers, gain color in the autumn. They are suitable for vases and for drying.

Little Bluestem is a prairie grass originally from North America. In the garden, it can adapt well to various moisture conditions. Its color variability is interesting. It sprouts in shades of gray-green, recolors to purple-brown shades during the season, and remains attractive in shape and color even through winter. The unusually shaped and striking inflorescences are perfectly usable in fresh and dried bouquets. The delicate flowers are elegantly drooping. In summer, it has gray-green coloration. In late autumn, the leaves and spikes of the cultivar Red Frost turn a strikingly reddish color.

A perennial grass native to North American prairies. Switchgrass is very adaptable and long-lived. It adds clear structure to flower beds and simultaneously functions as a softening element. This is especially true after veil-like flowers appear above the clumps of leaves. Strictum is a tall, upright, and broad-clumping variety that turns bright ochre yellow in autumn. It was bred by Karl Förster and remains popular as a solitary plant and in groups as a visual screen due to its properties.

Fountain grasses originate from East Asia, where they grow in meadows and light forests. They form hemispherical clumps of narrow leaves which, like the flowers, color up in the autumn. They are suitable for the vase and for drying. We grow this cultivar for its distinctively dark flowers, which appear in large numbers especially after warm summers.

An undemanding and charming native grass that will bring unusual delicacy and playfulness to any flower bed. Quaking grass is a native species that can be found in the wild in sunny meadows and drier pastures. In the garden, it is content with poorer and well-drained soil in the sun or partial shade. It forms dense clumps from which thin, flexible stalks with brown inflorescences sprout as early as May. The tiny spikelets in the shape of small hearts dance at the slightest breeze and add dynamics to the space. It belongs to the short-lived perennials, yet in a suitable location, it becomes a reliable part of the planting. In flower beds, it excellently complements prominently flowering species and softens the overall composition. It also has a firm place in floristry. It is suitable for cutting into summer bouquets, lending them lightness and airiness. It is also perfectly usable for drying into dry arrangements, where it maintains its shape long-term. It remains beautiful until late summer, after which it is good to trim the faded stalks. The 'Zitterzebra' cultivar is additionally exceptional for its coloration; its leaves are decorated with longitudinal green-and-white stripes that give it a fresh and modern look.

A fast-growing ornamental grass with strikingly colored dark burgundy foliage. It blooms from July to October with pink to burgundy spikes that gradually fade to beige. It is interesting not only for its flowers but also for its overall habit and striking color contrast.