This year I was I entranced by salvias and black grasses. I will first talk about my new love for dark grasses.
Every year I'm looking for something new and exciting. A plant that is gonna just wow me. Finding black grasses I was hooked. I bought three different types. Pennisetum Princess Caroline, Pennisetum Vertigo and Pennisetum First Knight. Created by Dr Wayne Hanna professor of UGA
Pennisetum Princess Caroline
This is the first black grass I ever saw and it was in an island bed in front of a car wash place. It looked very drab by itself and neglected. I planted a few in my border. And looks fantastic with other bold color plants. The blades have the colors of orange and yellow in the morning and afternoon light. This one is the least darkest out of the three. But I don't mind the different colors in the blades make the grass look like a Phormium. Grows to about four feet high. Winter hardy to zone 7-8
Pennisetum Vertigo
What a monster. The big friendly kind. This is the darkest grass out of the three. I will have to say it's my favorite even though the plant was only a foot high and I know will grow to 5 feet tall. I still love it anyway.
The plant draws your eye to it straight away in the border. Mine is up front others may prefer it be in the back.
Will probably grow to 5 feet tall.
Winter hardy to 7-8
Pennisetum First Knight
Last but certainly not least. This grass is the most elegant of the three. It's doesn't spread out but is very tight together. So it doesn't look like a giant ball. It's more statuesque If you can say that about a grass. It comes second place to being the darkest because the lower leaves do turn green overtime. It's definitely the kind of Pennisetum you would see in decorative bedding or show gardens.
Probably will get to 5 feet but you don't get the girth that Verrigo has.
Winter hardy to zone 7-8
All of these grasses are great to have in your garden. Just having one will add some flare. A great place to buy some is Santa Rosa garden they have a wide range of grasses and I will say they have the best packaged plants.
The border has been amazing this year. Even in the heat the color shines brighter.
I have enjoyed reading down thru your thread. You have a gift for gardening, you have found a great website to learn more and be encouraged 
