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Easy to grow and remarkably versatile, Panicum virgatum, commonly known as Switch grass, is a warm-season ornamental grass that thrives in USDA Zones 4-10. It emerges as days lengthen and temperatures rise, offering attractive flowering spikes and color-changing foliage that last through summer and fall. Even in winter, its sturdy, upright form adds seasonal interest while providing essential habitat for small birds. Thanks to ongoing breeding, modern Panicum varieties now offer expand

You can't lose this battle of the blues. We grow four varieties of blue Festucaand one that's rich dark green. The blue ones all have similarities, but also a key distinguishing attribute, subtle or obvious. Each has fans who claim their darling is the best. And we won't argue. But we can't pick favorites. Every member of this Festuca quintet is nicely tuned to earn their spot on the right stage. Which ones strike the perfect chord for you? Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue' A famous New York n

Gardeners and designers have embraced the sturdy virtues of these robust native grasses. Great breeding from Intrinsic Perennial Gardens has further amplified ornamental value. Necessary and nice, you'll be glad you added these eco-friendly elements to your program. Andropogon gerardii'Holy Smoke' PP33929Rigid red flower stems rise to five feet tall over 30" stands of upright/arching foliage.The hardy, drought-tolerant foliage takes on beautiful hues of reds and purples for a lovely fall displa

Consistently among our best-selling genera, “Blue fescue” is a compact, easy-care, multi-purpose, cool-season grass that fits a multitude of situations. It shines in borders in sun or part shade, adds intriguing texture to mixed containers, and can even handle the feast-or-famine irrigation cycle on green roofs. What’s your pleasure?‘Boulder Blue’ This classic variety features cute, compact tufts of wiry/spiky blue foliage. Selected in Colorado, so you know it can handle heat. Height 6 – 10”, h

“Russian Sage” Is Neither? Nyet So Fast!We reported recently that Perovskia, a.k.a. Russian sage, is neither Russian, nor a sage. Turns out we were only half right.Horticulturist and sharp-eyed reader Mark Deacon, of Cincinnati Technical & Community College, updated us. It’s still not Russian, but it has gotten smarter.The perennial formerly known as Perovskia is native to Afghanistan, Pakistan and Tibet. It’s not from Russia, with or without love. But while we weren’t watching, those never-sati