2014 ASHS Annual Conference

Many ornamental grasses require low water and fertilizer inputs and minimal maintenance, making them complementary plants in landscape settings. The National Ornamental Grass Trial, coordinated through the University of Minnesota, began in 2012. Collaborators are conducting trials on cultivars of ornamental grasses evaluating landscape characteristics and sustainability features in varied growing conditions throughout the United States.  Seventeen regional sites in 11 states including: Vermont, North Carolina, Florida (4 sites), Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Nebraska, Texas (5 sites), Colorado and Oregon are evaluating 22 cultivars of Panicum amarum, Panicum virgatum and Schizachyrium scoparium. Four plants of each cultivar were established in summer of 2012 at collaborator sites. Data were collected in 2013 for plant size, overall growth habit rating, floral impact, foliage color, fall color, self-seeding, winter survivability and pest problems. Reports from collaborators indicate that variations in survival existed across sites and hardiness zones. Cultivar quality and performance including which plants were top performers also differed between trial sites. The trial collaborators will continue to post information and data on a national website (www.grasstrials.com) for the next two years (2014 and 2015). This pertinent and timely information will enable growers, retailers and consumers to make more informed decisions when choosing grasses for sustainable landscape settings.