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Ornamental Grass

grasses for dry areas

19 years ago

I have an area facing east between 2 black locust trees in partial shade where I grow daffodils and some other bulbs. When the flowering is over by early June there is nothing there except some coarse grass and weeds. In the spring there is moisture but during summer it is quite dry and the trees absorb most of the moisture. I have spent quite a bit of time looking for something to grow there after daffodils are finished. I have yet to find a plant that would grow well there. I have begun to think maybe grasses would be good. It would be appreciated if you could give me some suggestions for grasses for dry, clay soil in slight shade. Thanks!

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Comments (3)

laceyvail 6A, WV
19 years ago
The only grasses I know of that tolerate shade are Chasmanthium latifolium (Northern Oat Grass) and Calamagrostis brachytrica. Hakoneckloas take shade, but need plenty of moisture. I would try the following plants (none of them grasses): Lamiums, Lamiastrum 'Herman's Pride', Epimediums, Saruma henryi, Liriope.
donn_
19 years ago
Look into Sesleria and Luzula. They'll take shade, but do require at least some water. Festuca can deal with a little shade, and is very drought tolerant once established. Same with Pennisetum orientale.
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yugoslava
Original Author
19 years ago
I have Lamium there It looks good in early summer but the patch has never grown big. I mean, I water during summer but moisture just disappears unlike other parts of the garden where it shows it's been watered. Thank you for your suggestions. Liliana

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