Arbor Gate's Picks
of the Month

Maiden Grass, Cassian Fountain Grass and Shenandoah Switch Grass

December 9, 2016 Back to Picks >

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Cassian Fountain Grass

Pennisetum alopecuroides

One of the best dwarf Fountain Grasses for the Houston area. Nice tight clumps of narrow green foliage topeed with creamy-white fox-tail flower heads in summer that mature into a creamy tan. Averages 1�-2� tall. Normally has great orange fall color. One of the best Pennisetums for the South. Sun. Moist, well-drained soil.

Shenandoah Switch Grass

Panicum virgatum �Shenandoah�

An extremely versatile & attractive native clumping grass that tolerates a wide range of soil & climatic conditions. It�s valued for its erect, upright form, showy summer flowers, brilliant fall color, & winter silhouette. Switch Grass tolerates moist, wet soil & so it�s a great choice for water gardens & pond edges. It�s beautiful planted alone or as a mass planting & is great for naturalizing & attracting wildlife. Shenandoah has burgundy-tinged foliage. 3�-4� tall.

Maiden Grass

Miscanthus sinensis �Gracillimus�

THE Maiden Grass! One of the oldest cultivars in the trade. Spectacular with slender green foliage forming stiffly erect 4�-5� clumps that are topped with gorgeous copper-bronze plumes around September. The fall foliage color will normally turn orange, bleaching to almond. Sun. Moist, well-drained soil.