192 



lllEHI^ADRaR J^nilADELPII^M- WhARDY PEREhHIAL PbANB 



Hardy Ornamental Grasses 



Mr. George W. Oliver, the well-known writer on horticultural sub- 

 jects and one of the experts of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, has 

 written the following cultural notes on Grasses especially for this 

 book: 



" 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 prin- 

 cipal 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. 

 Eulalia Japonica Variegata and Zehrina are probably the hand.somest of 

 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 tufteil 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, grow- 

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



Variegata. A beautiful variegated form. Foliage white 



and green; 8 to 10 feet. 25 cts. each; $2.50 per doz. 

 Elymus QIaucus {Blue Lyme Grcms). 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. 

 Erianthus RavennsE (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 

 Gra5s. 25 cts. each; $2.50 per doz.; clumps, 50 cts. each. 



Eulalia Japonica Zbbrina. 



PENNisirrvM Japonicum (Hardy Fountain Grass) 



Eulalia Qracillima Univittata [Japan Rush). Of grace 

 ful 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 (Zebra 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. 



Eulalia Japonica Zebrina Stricta. A more erect- 

 growing form of the Zebra Grass, with the transverse 

 variegation of green and yellow appearing more pro- 

 nounced; a desirable addition. 25 cts each; $2.50 per 

 doz.; clumps, 50 cts. each. 



Festuca Glauca [Blue Fescue). A pretty dwarf tufted 

 Grass, with glaucous foliage. 25 cts, each; $2.50 per 

 doz.; $15.00 per 100. 



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. 50 cts. each. 



Pennlsetum Japonicum [Hardy Fountain Grass). 

 This new variety grows about 4 feet high; foliage narrow, 

 of a bright green, while the cylindrical flower heads, 

 carried well above the foliage, are tinged with bronzy- 

 purple, the whole plant having a light, airy appearance, 

 and should prove one of the most valuable hardy grasses 

 either for use in beds, mixed borders or as specimens. 

 15 cts. each; $1.50 per doz.; $10.00 per 100. 



Phalaris Arundinacea Variegata ( Variegated Rib- 

 biiii Grass, or Gardener's Garters). Large varie- 

 gated foliage; an excellent Grass for bordering large 

 beds. 15 cts. each; $1.50 per doz. ; JIO.OO per 100. 



Uniola Latifolia (Spike Grass). One of the finest of 

 our native Grasses, 3 to 4 feet high, with very ornamental 

 flat heads in graceful drooping panicles. 15 cts. each; 

 $1.50 per doz.; $10.00 per 100. 



Be sure and plant a liberal quantity of the lovely Japanese Anemones. See page 177. 



