ALOPECURUS ALPINUS GLAUCUS BLUE   B
 12 (30) x 30
This Foxtail is a silvery-blue grass, often with a tinge of purple, which is rarely offered. Best in sun where it will flourish and spread gently as a rather loose carpet.
ALOPECURUS PRATENSIS ‘AUREOVARIEGATUS’ VARIEG   B
 20 (30) x 30
Golden Foxtail Grass. Vivid gold and green stripes. One of the best for a bright edging or carpet.
AMPELODESMOS MAURITANICUS GREEN   C
 90 (180) x 100
Tall outward-arching stems bear one-sided pendulous plumes. Sunny well-drained spot. Protect in cold areas.
ANDROPOGON GERARDII  BL/GREEN  C
 90 (120) x 95
Blue-green arching leaves with purple tips, good deep purple colouring in autumn.
ARRHENATHERUM ELATIUS BULBOSUM ‘VARIEGATUM’ VARIEG 

B

 30 x 30
Particularly attractive against dark-toned plants, like the purple Euphorbia ‘Chameleon’ because of its clean white leaf stripes and margins. An erect plant spreading only slowly.
BOTHRIOCHLOA ISCHAEMUM  BL/GREEN  C
 60 (90) x 75
Graceful clumps of slender bluish leaves with deep red branched flowers in summer turning purple in autumn.
BOUTELOUA GRACILIS GREEN   B
 20 (30) x 30
Another prairie grass requiring good winter drainage in this country, the Mosquito Grass features intriguing horizontally held flower heads with dangling brownish-purple spikelets.
BRACHYPODIUM PINNATUM  BL/GREEN  C
 90 (120) x 95
Spreading clumps of blue-green leaves. A strong grower.
BRIZA MAXIMA   GREEN 

B

 20 (50) x 30 
An annual variety of quaking grass which is generally larger and coarser than the perennial form (B.media). Very striking seed heads which self seed readily but usually in close proximity to the original plant.
BRIZA MEDIA GREEN 

B

 45 x 30  Evergreen
The Quaking Grass, Doddering Dillies (and many other names) is grown for its open heads of triangular spikelets which tremble in the slightest breeze. Good for drying for flower arranging. Sun or part shade.
BRIZA MEDIA ssp ‘CHILE’ GREEN 

B

 30 (60) x 30 Evergreen
As yet unidentified but most worthy of a mention. Seed heads have rather an ornate spiralling design.
BRIZA MEDIA ’LIMOUZI' GREEN  B
 30 (60) x 30 Evergreen
A slightly taller variety of the perennial quaking grass with larger, flatter spikelets. The foliage has a hint of blue
BRIZA MEDIA ssp ‘RUSSELLS’ GREEN  D
 40 (60) x 30 VARIEG
A fairly recent introduction with reliable strong green and white variegation in the foliage.
BROMUS INERMIS ‘SKINNERS’S GOLD’ VARIEG   C
 60 (100) x 60
A striking grass with bright golden striped foliage and drooping golden seed heads. Rather an untidy clump former preferring poorer soil and happy in sun or part shade.
CALAMAGROSTIS BRACHYTRICHA GREEN   C
80 (120) x 90 
An upright clump forming grass with most attractive pinkish-grey seed heads. Sun or part shade.
CALAMAGROSTIS ACUTIFLORA ‘AVALANCHE’ VARIEG

C

80 (120) x 90

A loose clump of white striped leaves the variegation being stronger in this new variety than to the original ‘Overdam’.

CALAMAGROSTIS ACUTIFIORA ‘KARL FOERSTER’   GREEN 

C

75 (120) x 60
Dense clump of slender upright leaves producing narrow spikes of reddish brown seed heads which fade to beige in Autumn. Looks good well into winter, as does ‘Overdam’.
CALAMAGROSTIS X ACUTIFLORA ‘OVERDAM’ VARIEG 

C

 80 (120) x 90 
A loose clump of white-striped leaves, erect in habit, and topped in mid-summer by fine pinky-grey flower heads.
CALAMAGROSTIS EMODENSIS                                      GREEN 

D

 90 (120) x 100 

Another upright clump forming grass with striking flower spikes in late summer. In contrast to the other calamagrostis flowers this variety tends to weep over and appears to be almost white.

CALAMAGROSTIS VARIA  GREEN 

C

 90 (120) x 60

Another easy grass to grow in most situations and will happily cope with wet or dry chalky soil. The dense flowerheads tend to create an arching habit, and from a yellowy green in summer turn buff coloured through autumn.

CAREX ATRATA   BL/GREEN

B

15 x 30 Evergreen
A small native sedge with blue-green leaves forming a carpet, and with round, black flower spikes.
CAREX BERGRENNII   BRONZE 

B

10 x 25 Evergreen
An appealing little sedge, ideal for carpeting with blunt ended metallic bronze leaves. Not too dry.
CAREX BRUNNEA ‘VARIEGATA’ VARIEG 

D

30 (45) x 30  Evergreen
Similar, but more striking than the above with a bold central cream stripe.
CAREX BUCHANANII   BROWN 

B

75 x 45 Evergreen

Erect, then arching clumps of fascinating foxy-red and pinky-copper narrow stiff leaves, curled at the tip.

CAREX CARYOPHYLLEA ‘THE BEATLES’  GREEN   B
12 x 30  Evergreen
An apt name for a tidy mop of dark green leaves making a neat low dome. Good between shrubs and in shade.
CAREX COMANS ‘BRONZE FORM’   BROWN 

B

40 x 60 Evergreen
As above but a warm grey-brown. Excellent with blues.
CAREX CONICA ‘SNOWLINE’  VARIEG 

B

15 x 30  Evergreen
Small and neat arching tuft with white margins to the deep green leaves.
CAREX DIPSACEA  OLIVE 

B

40 x 45  Evergreen

Arching tufts of bronzy olive green, especially in full sun – a most unusual colour. Black flower heads.

CAREX ELATA ‘AUREA’ 

 YELLOW   C
60 x 60

Bowles’ Golden Sedge is a striking plant. Long rich yellow leaves really catch the eye. For damp soil, water’s edge, or in a cool position. Sun brings out the best colour.

CAREX FORTUNEI ‘FROSTED CURLS’ 

 PALE GREEN 

B

50 x 50  Evergreen
Dense clump of weeping hair-like leaves pale-green but almost silver in appearance. Good in sun or part shade. Well drained soil.
CAREX FLAGELLIFERA   BROWN 

B

45 x 60 Evergreen
Dense clumps of lax, arching leaves of a pale brown colour, forming a dome.
CAREX FLAVA   Y/GREEN

B

 45 x 45 Evergreen
Bright yellowy green upright leaves with yellow seed heads. Ideal for a shady corner.
CAREX FLACCA   BLUE 

B

20 x 20 Evergreen
Fairly low growing broad leaved North American sedge, bluey-grey in colour. Can be grown in sun or shade.
CAREX HACHIJOENSIS ‘EVERGOLD’   VARIEG   B
20 x 40 Evergreen
A domed tuft of long narrow leaves with a creamy-yellow central stripe make this one of the most attractive evergreen sedges, happier in a cooler, not too dry position, as indeed are many of this family, and colouring best in a little shade. Charming pot plant also, for a cool window sill.
CAREX GRAYI  GREEN   D
60 x 45
The Mace Sedge features large round knobbly seed heads. Good soil in part shade, or in water.
CAREX KALOIDES  OCHRE   C
50 x 20
Erect shiny leaves vary between ochre and pale orange-brown. Good soil in sun.
CAREX MORROWII ‘FISHER’S FORM’  VARIEG   D
 60 x 60 Evergreen

Broad, stiff leaves conspicuously margined and striped with cream. Very showy. Good soil in sun or shade.

CAREX MORROWII ‘VARIEGATA’  VARIEG 

B

40 x 30  Evergreen

Stiff, fairly broad rich green leaves. Though the variegation is not strong the plant is still effective.

CAREX MUSKINGUMENSIS  GREEN 

B

45 x 45
A cheerful mid-green sedge with leaves growing out from the erect stems. Spreads gently. Effective between yellow or yellow-variegated shrubs. Commonly known as the Palm Branch Sedge.
CAREX ORNITHOPODA ‘VARIEGATA’   VARIEG 

B

15 x 40 Evergreen
Very similar to Hachijoensis ‘Evergold’ but with white edged leaves.
CAREX PANICEA   BLUE 

B

20 x 30 Evergreen
Another sedge with glaucous leaves. Not dissimilar to Carex Atrata in habit.
CAREX PENDULA   GREEN 

B

90 x 120 Evergreen

The Weeping or Pendula Sedge needs a bit more space for its arching leaves and flower stems from which hang the long inflorescences. Excellent for the natural garden, and not-too-dry shade.

CAREX PENDULA ‘MOONRAKER’

 VARIEG   B
 75 (120) x 120 Evergreen

This variegated form of the native weeping sedge is at its finest in Spring. The new growth emerges creamy white and gradually turns to yellow and finally green by the end of summer.

CAREX PHYLLOCEPHALA ‘SPARKLER’ VARIEG 

D

 45 x 45  Evergreen
A stunning plant. It is similar in growth habit to members of the Cyperus family, with whorls of sword-like leaves edged white at the top of strong three sided stems. The flowers which turn dark brown are short spikes in the centre of the leaf rosette. A shady spot is preferable and sadly over wintering in a greenhouse is advisable.
CAREX PLANTAGINEA  GREEN 

B

10 x 30  Evergreen
As the name implies, this unusual sedge sports broad, ribbed, plantain-like leaves. Useful in a cool spot.
CAREX PSEUDOCYPERUS   GREEN   B
45 (60) x 45 Evergreen
Upright, broad leaves form a dense clump. Large, dangling yellow-green inflorescences.
CAREX REMOTA  GREEN 

B

30 x 40  Evergreen
Pale green leaves form a dense mound with a weeping habit. The long flower stems also droop. Damp shade is preferable.
CAREX RIPARIA ‘VARIEGATA’ VARIEG   B
 60 x 60

A stunning plant with virtually white leaves, only narrowly green-margined, especially in spring. It is not for drier soils and is the only sedge we list that could be called invasive, especially in moist soil.

CAREX SECTA TENUICULMIS   BROWN 

B

45 x 45 Evergreen
A newer form of darker colouring than the other browns. Long arching leaves from a central clump.

CAREX SIDEROSTICHA ‘VARIEGATA’ 

VARIEG 

C

30 x 30 

Another really showy sedge, different in having inch-wide leaves white-striped, pink-flushed at the base.

CAREX SIDEROSTICHA ‘SILVER SCEPTRE’  VARIEG  C
22 x 30 
Acquired from Japan. Fresh green leaves with whitish margins and stripes from a central clump.
CAREX SYLVATICA   GREEN  B
30x(60)45
Native woodland sedge with glossy green leaves, weeping habit excellent under planting in shady situations.

CAREX TESTACEA  

 OLIVE 

B

40 x 45

Differs from C. dipsacea in having narrower leaves, paler olive, and with orange overtones in full sun.

CHASMANTHIUM LATIFOLIUM (UNIOLA LATIFOLIA) 

 GREEN 

B

90 x 45
The Spangle Grass features broad leaves and large ironed-flat spikelets which hang gracefully in open panicles. Quite happy in shade, or in good soil in sun.
CHIONOCHLOA FLAVESCENS   GREEN 

C

30 (40) x 30 Evergreen
A New Zealand tussock grass with broader leaves than the next variety. One sided panicles appear in mid to late summer.
CHIONOCHLOA RUBRA   OLIVE 

D

90 (110) x 30    Evergreen
Dense clump of narrow arching leaves, olive to brassy ochre. A most striking specimen plant, especially when grown in a container.
CORTADERIA RICHARDII GREEN 

G

 150 (200) x 180  Evergreen
Green, yellow-midribbed leaves. 2 metres arching culms bear one-sided plumes, less shaggy than the Pampas Grass, but no less graceful. Flowers earlier, from July onwards. Sunny. Well drained spot.
CORTADERIA SELLOANA ‘ALBOLINEATA’   VARIEG 

G

120 (200) x 200 Evergreen
Leaves striped creamy-white, plumes large and silvery.
CORTADERIA SELLOANA ‘AUREOLINEATA’ (‘GOLD BAND’)   VARIEG 

G

120 (150) x 150 Evergreen
The yellow colouring to the leaf margins becomes progressively stronger as the summer passes. A splendid feature in the autumn garden. 180cm flowering culms.
CORTADERIA SELLOANA ‘PATAGONIA’   GREENY/BLUE 

G

100 (150) x 120 Evergreen
Similar in size to Pumila but with a distinct bluish flush to the leaves.
CORTADERIA SELLOANA ‘PUMILA’   GREEN 

F

120 x 150 Evergreen
The best Pampas Grass for the smaller garden, of compact habit and particularly free-flowering.
CORTADERIA SELLOANA ‘SUNNINGDALE SILVER’   GREEN   F
150 (210) x 180 Evergreen
The best larger form with splendid silvery plumes on strong culms.
CORTADERIA SELLOANA ‘SPLENDID STAR’   VARIEG   G
90 (120) x 100
Dwarf variegated variety with gold margins to the leaves.

CYNODON AETHIOPICUS   

 BLUE/GREY

C

30 (60) x 30
A native of East Africa with attractive foliage colour but its seedheads take centre stage, sticking out at right angles from the stem. Quite aptly described by a customer last year as the grass with the helicopter seedheads! Sunny, well drained spot.
CYPERUS ERAGROSTIS Green

C

60 (90) x 90
Bright green leaves and interesting flower heads green, turning brown appearing in late summer. (Unusual material for flower arrangers!) Best in damp soil or in water.
CYPERUS FUSCUS  GREEN   B
40 x 30
Another very unusual flower head, reddish brown in colour. (Self seeding annual.)

CYPERUS LONGUS

GREEN   B
 75 (120) x 45

Arching shiny green leaves and attractive late summer inflorescences of red-brown. Good soil or in water.

DACTYLIS GLOMERATA ‘VARIEGATA’   VARIEG 

B

25 x 25 Evergreen
Green and white striped grass similar in appearance to Holcus mollis ‘Albovariegatus’ but with a neater clump forming habit.
DESCHAMPSIA CESPITOSA ‘BRONZE VEIL’  GREEN 

B

 60 (120) x 50 Evergreen
Dense clumps of narrow arching leaves. 1 metre stems with bronzy-purple flowers .
DESCHAMPSIA CESPITOSA VIVIPARA ‘FAIRY’S JOKE’  GREEN 

B

60 (120) x 90  Evergreen

The basal clump of slightly blue-green leaves is dwarfed by the large flower panicles. The joke is that instead of seed, tiny plantlets are formed which will weigh the stems down and root if allowed to.

DESCHAMPSIA CESPITOSA (‘GOLDEN SHOWERS’)   GREEN 

B

60 (100) x 90 Evergreen
Mid-green leaves and, in this selected form, golden yellow spikelets carried well into winter on 1 metre stems. Enthused over by Graham Thomas as ‘easily the most beautiful of native grasses ... the quintessence of dainty elegance.’ Some shade is tolerated quite happily. Most soils including damp.
DESCHAMPSIA CESPITOSA ‘GOLDTAU’ (‘GOLDEN DEW’)  GREEN 

B

 40 (80) x 60 Evergreen
A more compact form with flower heads maturing to warm gold.
DESCHAMPSIA FLEXUOSA  GREEN 

B

15 (40) x 20  Evergreen
Dark green narrow leaves. Airy flower heads to 50cm of glistening silvery purple spikelets. Avoid limy soils.

DESCHAMPSIA FLEXUOSA ‘TATRA GOLD’   

 YELLOW 

B

15 (30) x 20 Evergreen
A variety of the Wavy Hair Grass forming neat tufts of an unrivalled clean yellow in spring and early summer, brightest yellow-green later. Not for shallow chalk soils.


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