Sumptuous openwork inflorescences in combination with red or yellow leaves make Panicum virgatum rotisserie millet a plant of exceptional value for many gardeners.This ornamental grass not only looks beautiful, but also has low site requirements , it is long-lasting and easy to care for. Its cultivation will please even novice gardeners.
In terms of colors, millet varieties are divided into two groups. In one of them there are green-leaved plants that acquire a reddish-brown color in autumn. One of the most famous is 'Rehbraun', bred in the mid-1950s.XX century.The second group includes varieties with bluish-green leaves, which are decorated in shades of golden yellow at the end of summer.These are mostly new forms from North America. Their leaves are partially wider, which makes them a bit like miscanthus. They reach a height of about 2 m.
Among many varieties it is worth mentioning 'Cloud Nine', 'Dallas Blues' or 'Northwind'. The coloristic exception is the 'Heiliger Hain' variety. In the fall, the bluish, metallic shimmering leaves of the grass do not turn yellow, but turn red. Their ends change color most intensively. 'Heiliger Hain' blooms early and therefore has a tendency to self-seed, as does the blue-green 'Heavy Metal' or 'Shenandoah' variety with bright bluish leaves, dark red at the end of the gardening season.These two varieties are so valuable as garden plants that they are distinguished by admirers and perennials.
A large clump of rotisserie millet as a solitaire is a great decoration of the garden.Properly selected perennials can partner with beautiful grass varieties in the bed.These are mainly plants from the American prairies, such as rudbeckia, penstemon, high flames or various autumn astra species.Other plants that blend in perfectly with millet during flowering and after flowering, include stonecrop, spiky liater, virginiana and perovskia. In spring, the stalks of millet are a spectacular backdrop for narcissus, tulips and ornamental garlic.
Have you encountered an increased interest in ornamental grasses in gardens in recent years? Yes, grasses are becoming more and more popular, and their diversity gives many arrangement options. I will only mention in general terms that grasses are extremely effective, diverse and colorful plants. They look very good in compositions with other plants, but they also look interesting on their own or in arrangements made only of their different varieties. divide them into small, medium and high.This is another feature that makes it easier to create compositions and fillings between other plants.
Late summer and autumn grasses
Ornamental grasses for planting can often be bought in the fall. However, the rotisserie millet, which is especially beautiful at the end of the gardening season, is best planted in the spring. This also applies to other so-called warm season grasses, among which miscanthus Miscanthus and Pennisetum rozplenice. In comparison, millet is less susceptible to frost and, even when planted in early fall, it usually survives the winter well.
Grasses in this group begin to develop more strongly when the substrate temperature reaches 12-15 ° C, that is in May and June.They tolerate strong sunlight and heat well. European grasses such as Festuca fescue, Sesleria sesleria and Carex grass sedge are cold season grasses. They also take root well at lower temperatures. You can divide them and replant them in the fall without fear. Rotary millet is a lively and easy-care grass.Requires low pruning at the end of winter. Fertilization is inadvisable as it causes lodging. The grass is not affected by drought or excess moisture.
Pampas grass
Pampas grass is one of the most famous ornamental grasses in the world.Its name refers to the typical South American steppe areas where cattle graze and which are called pampas.As you can easily guess, the vegetation of the pampa is made primarily of grasses. Pampas grass forms dense clumps about 60 cm high. However, what makes them so attractive are large, fluffy panicles 25-40 cm long, mounted on stems about 150 cm high.
During the flowering period, plants can reach over 200 cm! Inflorescences appear in late summer and fall, are cream-colored and decorative throughout the winter. Pampas grass is thermophilic, prefers positions in full sun, and likes permeable soil.It reproduces by dividing it in early spring, before vegetation starts. Roots do not tolerate wintering in wet ground, so it is good to tie the above-ground shoots in a sheaf for the winter, in order to limit water penetration into the ground.
Pampas grass is the perfect solitaire.It looks good against the background of dark hedges, as well as in combination with dark purple Japanese maples, echinacea or asters.The dwarf variety 'Pumila' is recommended for small gardens.
Interesting ornamental grasses not only for discounts
- Hachijońska sedge Carex hachijoensis 'Evergold' has strikingly striped leaves. Their yellow-green color lasts all summer. Plants bloom from April to May, they like shaded and semi-shaded places. Grasses wintered in the ground should be covered with insulating material. Cut the leaves in the spring.
- Reed Reed Calamagrostis × acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' likes the sun, but also tolerates partial shading. The grass grows in large clumps and looks nice in winter. It can reach 180 cm in height. Trim the shoots only in spring.
- The Butelua slender Bouteloua gracilis is very resistant to drought. The grass is 20-40 cm high. Its leaves turn purple in autumn. Butelua likes places in full sun, in not very fertile soil. Trim the shoots in spring, about 10 cm above the ground. This species of grass can be propagated by seed or by division.
- The broad-leaved Chasmanthium latifolium forgives almost all care mistakes. The form of growth and the color of the ears depend on the position. In the sun, the plants are erect and have light green leaves, in the shade the habit is more extensive and the leaves are dark green.
- Koeleria glauca is recommended for moors. It is best planted in groups of 6-8 per square meter. The grass begins to vegetate quite early, reaching a height of 20-40 cm, forming dense gray-blue clumps. After flowering in June and July, flower heads turn light green. The plant is recommended especially for green roofs.
- The evergreen pinworm Helictotrichon sempervirens has characteristically bluish leaves. This species prefers poor soils and full sun exposure. Propagated by division in spring.
- Snow villi Luzula nivea has a loose, upright habit. It blooms white in early summer. Flowers can be dried. A long-lived, easy-care plant. Suitable for ground cover.
- Phalaris arundinacea reed canary grass is tall grass, ideal for growing in moderately humid, sunny locations. Blooms in June / July. Attention, it is growing strongly!
