Posted by
Ispahan (Chicago - Zone 6a) on Aug 23, 2012 1:24 PM concerning plant:
One of my favorite grasses. The foliage looks compact and unassuming for most the season, not unattractive but not showy either. In late summer, usually early September, the plant sends up the most amazing, airy foxtail-like plumes that start out with pink-lavender tones and then slowly age to a warm creamy-tan color. The plumes collect morning dew which then shimmers when caught in sunlight. Also looks amazing when backlit by the sun. When in full bloom, the plant is gracefully arching. It is not at all floppy, even when growing in shade, but is much more graceful than the stiffly upright, rigid 'Karl Foerster' which is a close relative of the grass.
Performs well in both sun and dappled shade, but if growing in sun it needs to have consistently moist soil. This grass is a "sleeper" which draws raves when in bloom yet doesn't seem to be commonly planted. Maybe because it doesn't look very exciting when out of flower and growing in a nursery pot and people tend to overlook it?
This grass is very well behaved with very slowly expanding clumps. It can be propagated by seeds but I have never noticed any self sowing tendencies.
One of the prettiest grasses and its late flowering season makes it all the more valuable. A true winner!