The Touch Of Winter Has Arrived!

As I type at 1pm today, it's sleeting outside with the occasional snowflake blowing by the window. The day started sunny and cool but we were able to accomplish lots of lights work outside (Terry, Marv and myself). Dr. Gredler mowed/shredded leaves and both Tony and Rick kept busy hauling debris all day. Marianne and Janice worked on organizing our remaining lights, decorated obelisks and began much needed repairs on our growing pile of lights strands that have "issues". The image above is of the native little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) that gets a nice reddish-maroon fall color. Ornamental grasses really have major impact in the landscape this time of year as they provide color, texture and visual interest. Examine your winter landscape where ornamental grasses, left up over the winter, can be effective as screens or simply to be enjoyed. There are many options for hardy, perennial grasses. However, consider the use of native grasses as they are quite adaptable in our climate and are favored by our native wildlife as a food source. At the bottom of this blog is an article on native ornamental grasses I wrote last year. Below is another little bluestem although this is the variety 'The Blues' which has a more intense, sky-blue coloration in summer and seems to have superior fall color as well.
The view of our November landscapes encompasses the transition from the fading blooms of late summer and vivid fall colors to a landscape of faded greens, tans and browns. While color may lack in our gardens this time of year, texture and form come to the forefront. Ornamental grasses in the garden, while contributing as role players through the growing season, become very important in anchoring our compositions, providing visual interest and perhaps helping our native wildlife as well. There are many hardy, ornamental grasses to choose from but why not consider some tried and true native grasses that will accent and improve your landscape?

Much of central North America was originally covered with tallgrass prairie. This important ecosystem fostered many important plant and animal species. However, most of the original tallgrass prairie (90%) has been lost to agriculture and other land uses. Fortunately, the prairie contains many wonderful grasses that are now making a “comeback” in our gardens. Many of these native species have had special cultivars selected and propagated for improved ornamental attributes. Keeping in mind that these native grasses are very adaptable in our climates, tolerant of our soil types and will attract 40 times more wildlife (primarily birds) than non-native ornamental grasses, perhaps they are worthy of our consideration in the back yard.

All of the grasses listed below prefer full sun conditions but will take a wide range of soils. Leave these grasses in the garden for winter interest and cut them back to 3-4” by early April before new growth resumes with the warming of the soil. Mulching around the grasses will help minimize weed competition and retain moisture. In time, these grasses may require division; a process of digging up the grass and separating out the most vigorous sections for replanting or relocation. Research these grasses prior to purchasing them and view your winter garden for gaps that can be addressed with these exciting, long-lived, native perennials.

Our big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) is a robust native grass that forms a sturdy 6’ tall clump and may have some reddish tint to the leaves in autumn. Look for the varieties ‘Silver Sunrise’ and ‘Pawnee’ for improved fall color. Another tall prairie native is Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans). This 5-7’ tall clumping grass has a rough texture and upright, arching form. Fall color is typically a yellow or gold. The Indian grass varieties ‘Sioux Blue’, ‘Indian Steel’ and ‘Bluebird’ are noted for their metallic blue foliage and strong, bold, upright appearance.

Another medium to large native grass is switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). This grass has experienced lots of selection and breeding, particularly in Europe. Dozens of varieties exist and are being developed for size and fall color. Switchgrass can take a little shade and you may see some reseeding in damp soils. Heights can be quite variable with some varieties in the 3-4’ range and some in the 6-7’ range. Try the shorter varieties of ‘Shenandoah’ and ‘Rotstrahlbusch’ for a nice red fall color. Taller varieties such as ‘Dallas Blues’, ‘Heavy Metal’ and ‘Prairie Sky’ are known for their bluish leaves and airy seedheads. The popular variety ‘Northwind’ was selected by Roy Diblick of Northwind Perennial Farm near Lake Geneva, WI.

If you have a location for a smaller grass, consider the use of the wispy prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis). This grass will achieve a height of 24” and is very transparent in appearance. The texture carries thru the winter as does the yellow, dormant coloration. Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is another alternative with a mature height of 3-4’. This narrow, upright grass naturally has a blue green coloration and will get a reddish hue in fall. Consider the varieties ‘The Blues’, ‘Blaze’ and ‘Cimmaron’ for a very blue summer color with more intense fall coloration. This upright grass can be used in masses or as single specimens along a border.

Ornamental grasses, while not new to horticulture, are becoming ever more important in our “four seasons” gardens. Hardy grasses from around the world can be used in your Wisconsin back yard to create screening, accent a view, combine with other plantings or draw the eye thru the barren winter landscape. With a wide range of physical and ornamental attributes, there may be a native option for your consideration.