CHAPTER XVI 

 Ornamental Grasses 



ANDROPOGON (Lemon Grass). The leaves of A. Schcen- 

 anthus when bruised emit a fragrance much resembling that of the 

 Lemon Verbena. It is a tender evergreen. When planted out in 

 Summer the growth is very rapid even in dry soils. As a pot plant 

 it has a well defined ornamental appearance, and stands well in a 

 dwelling house. 



Propagation. It is propagated by division at any time of the 

 year. The pieces should be placed in wet sand for a few days pre- 

 vious to potting to encourage new roots to form. 



ARUNDO (Giant Reed). The tallest of our herbaceous 

 Grasses {A. Donax) grows under favorable conditions to a height of 

 25 feet and flowers late in Summer. A very ornamental plant for 

 the centers of large beds, or for isolated groups on wide borders or 

 lawns. As it increases very rapidly at the root the rhizome like 

 growth may be divided just as the new shoots make their appear- 

 ance above the soil; these, when heeled in, may be transplanted at 

 any time. A. D. variegata grows only about half the height of the 

 green one — an exceedingly desirable plant for the hardy border. 

 To propagate, take the ripe stems and lay them in damp moss or 

 sand; from each joint one or more buds will start into growth and 

 ultimately take root. These young plants, when of sufficient size, 

 may be detached from the parent stem and put in small pots. 



BAMBOO. Several genera of Grasses are known as Bamboos. 

 They grow splendidly in a deep soil, but many of the sorts are not 

 hardy even in Washington, D. C. There are one or two species 

 grown in greenhouses and several hardy ones. Bambusa arundin- 

 acea will grow 60 feet high in a single season. It is useful for roomy 

 structures where quick effects are wanted. Phyllostachys aurea is 

 perfectly hardy in Washington, D. C. The growths will reach a 

 height of IS feet. B. striata is grown indoors in Winter. The plants 

 will thrive a long time with limited root accommodation. P. {rusci- 

 folia) virminalis, Arundinaria chrysantha, P. punctata, P. mitis and 



