June 18, 2013
In mid-June we planted ornamental grasses between the arbor and the Mexican plum tree:
- Pennisetum purpureum (Purple Fountain Grass)
- P. alopecuroides ‘Hamelin’ (Dwarf Fountain Grass)
- Muhlenbergia capillaris (Pink Muhly Grass)
- variegated Liriope
- Princess Caroline, a Pennisetum hybrid, our favorite.
We planted 3 1-gallon size Princess Carolines on 3 foot centers. The foliage is a lush purple with leaves that are wider than that of Purple Fountain Grass. These plants are filling in very quickly despite the heat and drought early in July. This welcome rain should really give them a growth spurt.
July 9, 2013
This area was full of weeds, dallisgrass and nutsedge when we began to prepare it in 2012. Mulching with newspaper/shredded tree trimmings took care of most weeds; dallisgrass and nutsedge required hand digging for removal. We amended native soil with expanded shale and compost during the winter. Spring rain and warmer temps bought germination of weed seeds as well as the beautiful poppies and larkspur you’ve seen in previous posts. Since planting the new grasses, drip irrigation is now in place and weeding continues each week, especially to root out residual nutsedge. At our next opportunity, adding a 3” layer of shredded tree trimming mulch should finish this area off nicely.
We think you will like this ornamental grass as much as we do!
To read more about Pennisetum purpureum ‘Princess Caroline’ click here!
Susan S
DALLAS GARDEN BUZZ 