Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'

Grown in Yorkshire.

Although we are probably best known for our roses and fruit trees, we have always grown a wide range of herbaceous perennials and are delighted to start to offer some of our wide range for sale via the website.

Grasses - a huge range are available, so there is almost certainly a variety which would work for you. Ornamental grasses are some of the most important garden plants, the plumes of foliage and flower heads provide extremely long-lasting interest in the garden. Beds devoted solely to grasses can be elegant and under-stated, and can certainly make for a very low-maintenance garden, but generally they are mixed with other plants. Combine with other herbacious perennials for a prairie-style planting, or dot amongst larger plants to 'punctuate' borders, lifting the eye. The delicate form of the leaves and the flowerheads can be used to lighten and soften heavy clumps of conifers and evergreens, and they work particularly well near water. Grasses also contribute to the winter garden - not only do some evergreens keep their colour all year round, but even the top growth of deciduous forms, burnt brown by the weather, will add texture and form when coated with morning frost.

As ornamental grasses come in all shapes and sizes, and thive in a wide range of conditions, choosing the right one for you is important. Use the size, form and aspect filters to narrow down your choice

Planting.

Most ornamental grasses prefer an open position in moist, but free-draining soil. If planting in the border, prepare the ground well by digging over, removing and perennial weeds, and incorporate some organic matter back into the soil. Dig a good-sized hole, approx twice as big as the container the plant arrived in, plant to the same level it is growing in the pot, and water well. Even grasses that thrive in hot dry conditions will need regular watering until established.
Some grasses need plenty of space - be sure to refer to the ultimate size and spread given for each variety, and plant accordingly. Some, like Festuca glauca, can remain very compact, so plant more closely otherwise weeds will flourish in the spaces.
Probably the best times for planting are in autumn, to allow the roots to become established before winter, or else in early spring as the roots are becoming active. As a rule of thumb, grasses from cold climates (deschampsia, festuca and stipa for example) do best when planted in autumn, whereas grasses from warm climates (e.g. miscanthus, panicum and pennisetum) benefit from planting in spring when the worst of the winter weather has passed.

Maintenance.

All newly planted grasses should be kept well-watered during their first year. Longer-term, correct soil preparation and an annual mulch of leaf mould, shredded bark, leaves or even gravel will keep the roots moist and cool and even out temperature fluctuations.

Whilst grasses can thive even when completely neglected, it is advisable to feed once a year in spring. A slow-release balanced fertiliser such as Blood, Fish and Bone, or Growmore is ideal, and will help promote fresh new growth and good foliage colour. Dont be tempted to over-feed - most grasses naturally grow in poor, thin soils, and overfeeding can inhibit flower production.

Pruning. Don't be too tidy! Generally leave old foliage on deciduous types to overwinter as they help protect the crown of the plant from the worst winter weather. Some varieties can also look quite decorative through the winter, especially the evergreen or semi-evergreen species. However in early spring it is a good idea to tidy away at least some of the old leaves, using sharp secateurs or garden scissors, to allow space for the new foliage to emerge. Deciduous grasses can be cut back hard in spring to emcourage plenty of new growth.

Recyclable plastic.

For our larger sizes, we use 2 and 3 litre Aeroplas taupe pots. These pots are made from recycled polypropylene and are carbon black pigment free, so are kerbside recyclable. Our P9 size is a small 9cm square black plastic pot, perfect as a starter plant or for potting on.

Peat-free compost.

Our compost is a top-quality professional peat-free blend supplied by Melcourt – consistently voted the best peat-free compost in trials by Which? Magazine. It includes a slow-release fertiliser which will last until mid-summer.

Email our highly skilled team with any questions and we will be only too happy to try and help sales@rvroger.co.uk