|
|
Be sure to read the latest news from Digging Dog2010 CatalogOrder the 2010 Catalog printed on genuine paper for $4. Free with plant order. Digging Dog Nurserya mail order plant nurseryon the Mendocino Coast of California p.o. box 471 Albion, CA 95410 phone: (707) 937-1130 fax: (707) 937-2480 Customer Comment:“I have ordered many plants through the mail and I have never seen such spectacular plants come out of a box!” ~Tracy in Minnesota view Digging Dog's comments with Dave’s Garden (The Garden Watchdog) |
Grasses at Digging Dog:
|
|
Hats off to the good folks at Joy Creek Nursery in Oregon for introducing this stellar Miscanthus ‘Strictus’ seedling. True to its name, each stiff green blade struts up to 17 closely set, dramatic creamy yellow horizontal bars, while burgundy washed flowers lend cozy accents. ‘Gold Bar’s winning, small-statured visage is compact, bushy and distinctively upright, promising to tantalize in a cherished container, a mixed border or anywhere space is a premium. (pp#15193) Blooms September–early November. Size: 4'–5' high x 2'–3' wide; hardy to zone 5. Miscanthus sinensis Gold Bar (G-0504) Miscanthus sinensis ‘Kaskade’
|
|
One of the finest summer blooming Miscanthus, this robust Ernest Pagels creation draws its name from the elegant cascading blooms. Rosy colored and large, measuring nearly 10 in. long, the early-to-unfurl inflorescences feature pendant openly arranged branches lolling a good ways beyond the fo-liage. Narrow leaves don white midribs while shaping an upright pillar that come autumn blazes coppery reds and finally bleaches to pewter, in perfect harmony with the mature silver buff racemes. Blooms July–October. Size: 6' high x 3'–4' wide; hardy to zone 5. Miscanthus sinensis Kaskade (G-0490) Miscanthus sinensis ‘Little Kitten’ |
|
Porcupine GrassSharing many of the attributes of its more common relation, Zebra Grass, this preeminent specimen is a bit denser, stiffer, and more upright. Beautifully at home at water’s edge, ‘Strictus’ displays coppery blooms and lax foliage with bold blond-colored stripes in an irregular, horizontal pattern. When viewed from afar, the warm bands create a spellbinding effect. Porcupine Grass maintains a good form, and is a high-spirited companion for Bergenia ‘Bressingham White’ and Sedum ‘Matrona’. Blooms August–November. Size: 6'–8' high x 3-1/2'–4-1/2' wide; hardy to zone 5. Miscanthus sinensis Strictus (G-0015) Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus |
|
Invite this “friend of the mountain” into your garden bed and it will quickly become your friend as well. Dynamic yet not too imposing, a gauzy array of gently pendulous, rich-colored reddish purple panicles mingle on dark green upright stems. Handsome foliage forms a low green stage that radiates yellow hues in autumn. Studded with ricelike beads transmuting warm chestnut hues when mature, the airy plumes should be headlined right up front where they become a mysterious veil that you can peer through. Blooms June–October. Size: 4'–5' high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 4. Molinia caerulea ssp. arundinacea Bergfreund (G-0489) Molinia caerulea ssp. arundinacea ‘Karl Foerster’ |
|
Bamboo MuhlyNoted for its extraordinary fine texture and striking resemblance to bamboo, this warm season grass conveys a lighthearted grace. Delicately branched, upright and arching supple stems and thin light green leaves define the billowy mass that forms a noninvasive clump, preferring occasional water while enduring deer, heat and drought. Stirring in just about any breeze, the evergreen Bamboo Muhly hails from Arizona and southern Mexico, produces insignificant pale pink flowers and is destined to become an airy counterpoint to Yucca ‘Garland’s Gold’s bold blades or where winter’s are cold, an ethereal container subject. Blooms May. Size: 3'–6' high x 3'–4' wide; hardy to zone 7. Muhlenbergia dumosa (G-0458) Muhlenbergia lindheimeri |
| Black Fountain GrassFlowing with deep green, fairly wide, glossy foliage, ‘Moudry’ forms a burnished, tidy-looking basal mound. The showy cylindrical spikes resemble large dense foxtails, as they arise on stiff stalks just above lush deciduous leaves, which color to yellow and orange come autumn. Unparalleled among other ornamental grasses, the phenomenal fuzzy blooms impart dark purple-black shades, and make excellent cut flowers, fresh or dried. Introduced by the National Arboretum from a batch of Japanese seeds, fall blooming Black Fountain Grass is indispensable for its late season appeal in the mixed border. Blooms September–November. Size: 2' high x 2'–2-1/2' wide; hardy to zone 6. Pennisetum alopecuroides Moudry (G-0453) Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Piglet’ |
| Orient Fountain GrassA dense, rounded clump of narrow arching leaves explodes into long blooming, fuzzy, copper-pink flower spikes, exquisite in large drifts or contrasted with broad-leafed perennials, like Helenium ‘Zimbelstern’. Backlight this grass and enjoy a fountain of color and youth. Blooms June–October. Size: 12"–2' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 6. Pennisetum orientale (G-0023) Pennisetum orientale ‘Tall Tails’ |
| A lively pattern of ½ in. wide alternating alabaster and bright green bands decorate the upright hollow blades, which emerge in spring. The green gradually darkens, while the alabaster develops a luminescent quality that will surely brighten any shady spot and add striking detail to floral arrangements, fresh or dried. Brownish conelike terminal flower spikes are subtle and provide interest. This water-loving Japanese Sedge is happiest at pond’s edge or in a partially submerged container. Blooms late June–August. Size: 5'–6' high & spreading; hardy to zone 7. Schoenoplectus lacustris ssp. tabernaemontani Zebrinus (g-0072) SesleriaSesleria caerulea |
| Siberian GraybeardThe lush, bamboolike appearance of Siberian Graybeard brings echoes of Manchurian forests into your corner of the world. Initially bright green, the 6 to 8 in. long flat leaves gently taper to a point, and splay in dramatic horizontal effect later in the season as rich plum red highlights appear. Rising over a foot above the neatly rounded, bushy profile, unusual 8 to 12 in. purple-blushed, open and erect panicles are napped with fine hairs—excellent light catchers in the afternoon sun. Planted as a bold architectural specimen or en masse as a handsome screen, its upright habit and sumptuous fall coloration look pleasing with Aster ‘Ochtendgloren’ and Crocosmia ‘Walberton Yellow’. Tending to mope in dry, hot weather, it will flourish in light shade and well drained soil. Blooms July–late October. Size: 4' high x 3'–3-1/2' wide; hardy to zone 5. Spodiopogon sibiricus (G-0456) StipaThe species of this widely distributed genus of cool season grasses are evergreen in milder climates. The jointed, bamboo-like flower stalks lend an Asian look to many of the showy varieties. The flowers are stunning in morning and end of the day light, and in the breezes of any hour. Stipa arundinacea |
| Giant Feather GrassThe first time we saw this show-stopper, we had to ask, “Is it from the tropics, or straight out of America’s bread basket?” In fact a native of Spain, Stipa gigantea boasts 7 ft. tall, jointed stalks that resemble lean bamboo, with airy 10 in. panicles of oatlike flowers that begin as purple-on-green, ripening to pale, metallic gold. The graceful gray-green foliage remains a tidy 2 ft. hummock. This unforgettable display continues all winter, and may bloom as early as February in milder climates. We recommend a gentle breeze and backlighting for full effect. Drought tolerant once established. Blooms June–November. Size: 6'–7' high x 4' wide; hardy to zone 7. Stipa gigantea (G-0024) Stipa ramosissima |
|
Thatching ReedExhibiting a kinetic sculptural quality in the wind and a graceful architectural flair all year, slender, unbranched reedlike stems tipped with small golden inflorescences spring from a dense basal tussock. Its tidy and tenacious upright habit prefers good air circulation and acidic soil, and abides drought, frost and seaside conditions once established. Hailing from the South African coast between Cape Agulhas and Albertinia, Thamnochortus insignis is commonly utilized to thatch traditional Cape Dutch homes, and can be featured in your garden as a dramatic long-lived specimen. Blooms July–August. Size: 5'–6' high x 5'–7' wide; hardy to zone 8. Thamnochortus insignis (G-0084) UnciniaUncinia rubra |
= 
= 
= 
= 
