Sporobolus heterolepis

Fine textured foliage forms flowing light green and gold mounds. Lovely orange gold fall color. Attractively scented flowers 30” tall. Great for meadows, container, and accent plantings.

• Height: 3 - 4’

• Spread: 3’

• Pot size: 1 qt.

• Bloom time: August- October

• Light: Full sun

• Moisture: Dry, average, wet

• Attracts: Butterflies, pollinators, birds

• Deer Resistance: Yes

• Companion Plants: Purple coneflower, little bluestem, asters, butterfly weed

Photo: Glover Perennials

Carex pensylvanica

Male flowers appear in spiklets above the female flowers. Male flowers are green with reddish-purple with white margins and female flowers are dark brown to purple-black with green midribs and white margins. Plants should be spaced less than 12" apart.

• Height: 6-10” 

• Post Size: 4” Pot

• Bloom Time: May

• Light: Partial Shade to Full Shade

• Moisture: Dry, Average, Well Drained

• Attracts: Birds, Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds

• Deer Resistant: Yes

• Companion Plants: Columbine, wild Senna, yellow coneflower, coral bells, blueberry and ferns

Photo: Harris, Susan. Pennsylvania Carex. 2009.

Schizachyrium scoparium  ‘Standing Ovation’

Excellent native grass with upright growth habit and beautiful blue color that turns to red, purple and orange in the fall. Provides lovely winter interest in the landscape. Once established has excellent drought tolerance.

• Height: 24 - 48" 

• Spread: 12”

• Pot Size: 3 qt

• Bloom Time: August - First Frost

• Sun: Full

• Moisture: Dry, Average, Well Drained

• Attracts: Birds and Pollinators

• Deer Resistant: Yes

• Companion Plants: Muhly grass, blazing star, butterfly weed

Photo: Chhe. wiki.  Schizachyrium scoparium. 2009.

Carex plantaginea

Vibrant evergreen sedge with textured foliage that is an excellent addition to shade areas in the garden. It is an excellent, deer-resistant substitute for Hostas, offering similar shade-loving, lush foliage without attracting deer. Clump forming habit.

• Height: 6”-12” 

• Spread: 6”-12” 

• Pot size: 3 qt 

• Bloom time: May - June

• Light: Light Shade-Shade 

• Moisture: Medium-Moist  

• Attracts: butterflies, host plants for the Appalachian Brown and Eyed Brown, caterpillars, songbirds, small mammals

• Deer resistance: Yes 

• Companion Plants: Ferns , coral bells, Tiarella, astilbe, hostas

Photo by Glover Perennials