219 



O' "R Bed of Ornamental Grasses at Pan-American Exposition. The Border is Formed of Pennisetum Rueppelianum, Which we Offer 



Und-r Garden and Greenhouse Plants. 



Hardy Ornamental Grasses. 



Mr. George W, Oliver, the well-known writer on horticultural subjects and one of the experts of the U. S. Department of 

 Agriculture, has written the following cultural notes on Grasses especially for this book. His cultural notes on Bamboos on the 

 next page should not be overlooked. 



"The ornamental grasses, exclusive of the Bamboos, can be used with telling effect in borders, large beds, or by the margin of 

 ponds and lakes. They are often used with small shrubs and medium-sized trees in wide borders. The Eulalias, planted singly 

 on lawns where the soil is deep and rich, take care of themselves, and grow rapidly into large specimens. In large, round beds, 

 with ornamental grasses as the principal feature, the effect is heightened by the addition of such plants as Cannas or dwarfer 

 flowering plants near the margin. The tallest of the grasses is the Giant Reed (Arundo Donax). A small plant will soon establish 

 itself and grow from 12 to 20 feet in height. In large, round beds this is the best of all the species for the central position. A less 

 hardy form has variegated leaves growing 8 to 10 feet in height. It keeps its color well throughout the summer months The Hardy 

 Pampas (Erianthus Ravennse) comes next in height to the green-leaved Arundo. It is not far behind the gorgeous Pampas 

 (Gynerium) when in bloom. It attains a height of*10 to 12 feet under ordinary conditions. All of the grasses, but especially the 

 Arundo and Erianthus, do best when given a heavy soil, enriched with manure and an abundant supply of water. Eulaha 

 Japonica Variegata and Zebrina are probably the handsomest of all the variegated grasses, growing 6 feet high, and as much in 

 diameter; the variety E. Gracillima Univittata is a narrow-leaved species, with a light band down the centre of each leaf. Among 

 the small growing kinds, for a dwarf tufted border, Festuca Glauca has no equal." 



Arrhenatherum bulbosum folia variegata. A pretty 



dwarf tufted Grass; leaves green and white; 6 to 8 inches. 



25 cts. each; $2.50 per doz. 

 Arundo Donax ( Great Reed). A magnificent variety, 



growing to a height of 20 feet, 25 cts. each; $2.50 per doz. 

 Variegata. A beautiful variegated form. Foliage 



creamy-white and green; 8 to 10 feet. 25 cts. each; §2.50 



per doz. 

 *Elymus Cilaucus (Blue Lyme Grass). A handsome Grass 



with narrow glaucous silvery foliage; well adapted for the 



border or the edge of beds containing taller sorts; 3 feet. 25 



cts. each, $2.50 per doz. 



Euiantrius Ravennae (Plume Grass, or Hardy Pampas). 

 Grows from 10 to 12 feet high, frequently throwing up from 

 30 to 50 flower spikes. It closely resembles the Pampas 

 Grass. 25 cts. each; $2.50 per doz.; clumps, 50 cts. each. 



Eulalia Gracillima Univittata (Japan Rush). Of graceful 

 habit, with very narrow foliage; of a bright green color, with 

 a silvery midrib. 25 cts. each; $2 50 per doz. ; clumps, 50 

 cts. each. 



Eulalia Japonica Variegata. A very ornamental variety; 

 long, narrow leaves, striped green, white and often pink or 

 yellow. Flower stalks from 4 to 6 feet. 25 cts. each; $2.50 

 per doz. ; clumps, 50 cts. each. 



Eulalia Japonica Zebrina (Zebre Grass). The long blades 

 of this variety are marked with broad yellow bands across the 

 leaf. It makes a very attractive specimen plant for the lawn, 

 25 cts. each; $2.50 per doz.; clumps, 50 cts. each. 



Festuca Glauca (Blue Fescue). A pretty dwarf tufted Grass, 

 with glaucous foliage. 15 cts. each; $1.50 per doz.; $10.00 

 per luO. 



Gynerium Argenteum (Pampas Grass). One of the 

 most effective. Its silvery plumes are produced on stems 8 to 

 10 feet high. Well-established plants can remain in the open 

 ground if protected. 25 cts. and 50 cts. each. 



Imperata Sacchariflora. A strong-growing Grass, attaining 

 a height of 4 to 5 feet, producing silvery white plumes during 

 July and August. 25 cts. each; $2.50 per doz. 



Molina Coerulea. An elegant grass for edging, not exceed- 

 ing 6 inches in height, with pretty green and white variegated 

 foliage. 15 cts. each; $1.50 per doz. 



Panicum Virgatum. A very ornamental native species 

 growing 3 to 5 feet high in handsome tufts, with long linnear, 

 dark tinted foliage and graceful flower panicles throughout the 

 summer and autumn; fine for cutting. 25 cts. each; $2.50 

 per doz. 



Phalaris Arundinacea Variegata ( Variegated Ribbon 

 Grass, or Gardener's Garters). Large variegated foliage; 

 an excellent Grass for bordering large beds. 10 cts. each; 

 $1.00 per doz.; $8.00 per 100. 



ORNAMENTAL HARDY BAMBOOS are offered on page 220. 



