Looking for information about 'tall grasses' that might do well in the Pacific NW

Bernice H
by Bernice H
I call them 'sea grasses' but they are probably reed grasses or pampas; anyway they are about 3' to 4' when mature. My wife has authorized me to locate something I would like to see in a bare spot just off our porch; I'd like to see a nice tall bundle of tall grass.
  4 answers
  • 3po3 3po3 on Jul 08, 2012
    It's got a funny name, but the 'Karl Foerster' ornamental grass is beautiful and low-maintenance. There is a photo here: http://clark.wsu.edu/volunteer/mg/gm_tips/OrnamentalGImages10.html And an epic list of grasses for your climate here (with tons of information): http://clark.wsu.edu/volunteer/mg/gm_tips/OrnamentalGrass3.html
  • Dee W Dee W on Jul 08, 2012
    check out "zebra grass" also. It is a fast multiplier, and holds up to heavy rain and winds. You don't cut it back until spring when there is new growth so it adds interest in the winter, too.
  • Susan S Susan S on Jul 09, 2012
    I think Zebra grass is the neatest looking stuff!! I've been saying for a couple of years I was going to get myself a zebra - don't know why I haven't done something about it. So Bernice, have you gone to any of your nurseries to see what they recommend? I have no idea what may be compatible in your climate. What works here or in Ohio may not survive in WA.
  • Bernice H Bernice H on Jul 10, 2012
    No, I am trying to find area carpets, hubs is the one who is looking for grass. I told him , I dont have time or energy, you do some looking for a change. So...he just writes my friends here on Hometalk! worm! Steve sent some info, but it is for southwest Washington, we are mid Washington, we get very cold winters and dry summers. So i will have to go to his suggested site and plug in mideastern Washington. We are on the Eastern side of the cascades. We get most of our water from the mountain snows and runoffs and irrigation water. We have super good peaches cherries, and apples! Sea grasses are not very popular here. But some medical buildings have them , so I told hubs to go ....ASK!