These colorful, tough perennials will stand tall and lush even in the dry sun of the desert
Living in the desert can be a blessing and a burden when it comes to produce grasses . We all know that lawn smoke , or turf , do n’t belong in the desert . That being pronounce , there are certainly ways to incorporate little sum of decorative grasses that can withstand the heat and add both dimension and texture to your gardens and containers . Here are a few of my pet heat - tolerant grasses for the Southwest .
‘Fireworks’ fountain grass
Pennisetum‘Fireworks ’ , Zones 9–11
Many gardeners have at least one natural spring locoweed ( Pennisetumspp . and cvs . , zone 5–11 ) in their garden . They are consistently dependable and easy to maintain . There are so many amazing diverseness within this genus , but one of my favourite is ‘ Fireworks ’ fountain grass . ‘ Fireworks ’ has variegated leaf blades with a burgundy , pink , gullible , and livid coloration . The blooms are majestic . This cultivar does not reseed , which is appealing to many . ‘ pyrotechnic ’ grows 3 ft tall and 2 invertebrate foot wide and can take either full or partial sun . Once base , it needs only episodic watering .
‘Blonde Ambition’ blue grama grass
Bouteloua gracilis‘Blonde Ambition ’ , zone 5–9
Not only do I screw the name of this locoweed , but I am obsessed with the bloom that ‘ Blonde Ambition ’ produces . While the foliage is a beautiful greenish - blue devil , the golden blush face like little flag waving in the wind . They are so unique and rightfully create an awe-inspiring statement anywhere in the garden . In blush , this grass reaches from 2 to 2½ metrical foot marvellous and up to 3 feet wide . ‘ Blonde Ambition ’ tolerates both full or fond Dominicus , and once established it requires very little water system . As a fillip , it blossom in midsummer , just when you think everything is fried to a potato chip here in the Southwest .
‘Elijah Blue’ blue fescue
Festuca glauca‘Elijah Blue ’ , Zones 4–11
‘ Elijah Blue ’ blue meadow fescue is one of my favorite grasses for clumping . It produces beautiful hill of silver - puritanic grass . These clod stay passably diminutive at 8 to 12 in tall and full , which makes them idealistic for use in edge , as basis covers , or plant en masse to produce a gorgeous , forward-looking look within your landscape . This grass is a firm agriculturist . It loves full sunshine and has low water pauperism .
If it were n’t for these surprisingly warmth - immune green goddess , we Southwest gardeners might as well be tied to a garden hose for have decorative grass in our gardens . I have always been a sucker for anything with grain and drift . There ’s no doubt that these pot provide that and more ! Just be sure not to plant them in the dead of summer .
— Laurel Startzel is an interior graphic designer and container garden house decorator . A former co - owner of Denver Dirty Girls , a container horticulture stage business , she lives in Tucson , Arizona .
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Planting in a Post - Wild existence : Designing Plant Communities for Resilient Landscapes
hunky-dory Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this web site , include Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs .
Lee Valley Garden Obelisks
Black and Decker 22 - inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Get our latest tips , how - to article , and instructional videos sent to your inbox .
Signing you up …
Related Articles
Plants from Mexico for the Southwest
3 Great Heat-Tolerant Grasses for the Northwest
Shade-Tolerant Perennials for the Southwest
Drought-Tolerant Ground Covers for the Southwest
Join Fine horticulture for a free engage hot webinar featuring Dr. Janna Beckerman , a famous plant life pathologist as well as prof emerita at Purdue University and the ornamentals expert director …
When I discern a particular sand buck cactus ( Astrophytum asterias ) at the Philadelphia Flower Show a few months ago , I knew I was in problem . With a delightful color pattern …
When we only prioritize plants we want over plants our landscape needs , each time of year is replete with a never - terminate list of chores : pruning , pinching , watering , treating , amending , and fertilizing , with …
Subscribe today and save up to 47%
Video
Touring an Eco-friendly, Shady Backyard Retreat
You must be careful when you enter the backyard of garden designer Jeff Epping — not because you ’re probable to trip on something , but because you might be dive - bombard by a pair …
4 Midsummer Favorites From a Plant Breeder’s Garden
Episode 181: Plants You Can’t Kill
Episode 180: Plants with Big, Bold Foliage
4 Steps to Remove Invasive Plants in Your Yard
All Access penis get more
Sign up for afree trialand get access to ALL our regional mental object , plus the rest of the member - only content library .
Start Free Trial
Get complete web site admission to expert advice , regional message , and more , plus the print magazine .
Start your FREE trial
Already a member?access
‘Blonde Ambition’ blue grama grass will catch your eye with its light tan, swaying flowers.Photo: Fionuala Campion
‘Fireworks’ fountain grass grows in a spray of hot, kaleidoscopic colors with hints of lime green for contrast.Photo: Laurel Startzel
‘Blonde Ambition’ blue grama grass improves on the habit and tidiness of the native species while retaining the same distinctive, horizontally growing flowers and seed heads.Photo: Laurel Startzel
‘Elijah Blue’ blue fescue is perfect for a container, with its cascading teal foliage.Photo: Laurel Startzel
