2014 ASHS Annual Conference

Ornamental grasses are becoming more popular in many areas of the United States due to their ability to survive low-input landscaping conditions. As part of the National Ornamental Grass Trials initiated in 2012, Panicum virgatum and Schizachyrium scoparium cultivars were evaluated at the University of Florida, Florida Research and Education Center.  In June’ 2013, an on-site survey was conducted to gain insight on consumer opinion about the use of ornamental grasses as landscape plants.  Thirty-four people were surveyed and asked to rate the appearance of ten selected grasses on a scale of 1 to 5 (1=poor…5=excellent). The grasses were identified by number only and included a variety of heights, textures and form.  Respondents ranked Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’ as their top preference based on appearance.   Overall, respondents who were born in the US preferred the use of grasses as landscape plants more than respondents who were foreign-born.  Eight out of ten grasses were ranked higher by US born respondents than foreign-born survey participants.  Of the people surveyed 65% had not used ornamental grasses in landscape but 86% responded that they would use ornamental grasses in the future knowing that grasses help conserve water.