LANDSCAPE AND GROUNDS MANAGEMENT the summer. The vibrant color is a magnet for pollinators. With its short stature, it is an excellent choice for the front of borders or in containers. Herbaceous perennial. BLOOM TIME: Early summer into fall SPECIAL FEATURES: Attracts hummingbirds and pollinators GROWTH RATE: Moderate
BLOOM TIME: Summer SPECIAL FEATURES: Dramatic foliage color; benefits birds GROWTH RATE: Moderate LANDSCAPE USE: Border; ground cover; edging FLOWER COLOR: Green
Photos on this page by Doreen Wynja
Fine China Sedge Carex‘ Fine China’ LIGHT: Full sun, Partial sun WATER: Keep soil evenly moist. SIZE: Reaches 8 to 12 in. tall, 24 in. wide. DESCRIPTION: A fabulous evergreen grass that never has a bad day. Quickly grows into a mounding waterfall of fine, arching leaves. Performs wonderfully in meadow gardens, or looks lovely spilling over the edge of raised beds or walls. Blooms but does not seed. BLOOM TIME: Summer SPECIAL FEATURES: Easy care; multi-season interest GROWTH RATE: Moderate GROWTH HABIT: Clumping LANDSCAPE USE: Border; ground cover
Smoke Signal Little Bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium‘ Smoke Signal’ PP # 27,433 PRONUNCIATION: ski-za- KRY-ee-um sko-PAIR-ee-um DESCRIPTION: A strongly upright grass with a fabulous show of colors. The blue-green foliage takes on scarlet tones in late summer, deepening to purple through the fall. Tiny tan seed heads develop in late fall. Tolerates hot, dry conditions. Excellent planted in groups, or alone as a vertical accent. Perennial. BLOOM TIME: Early fall GROWTH RATE: Moderate
Stars and Stripes Bulrush Scirpus pendula‘ Stars and Stripes’ PP # 37,140 LIGHT: Full sun, Partial sun WATER: Keep soil moist to wet SIZE: Reaches 18 to 24 in. tall and wide. DESCRIPTION: A brightly variegated bulrush, with yellow centers and green edges. In summer, yellow stems emerge tipped with clusters of flowers that look like fireworks. Native to wet prairies, this graceful plant is adapted to seasonal flooding and mild drought. A cultivated selection of a native plant. Perennial.
Ginger Love Fountain Grass Pennisetum alopecuroides‘ Ginger Love’ PP # 26,442 PRONUNCIATION: pen-i- SEE-tum al-o-pe-kur-OHdeez LIGHT: Full sun; partial sun WATER: Water when top 2 inches of soil is dry. SIZE: Reaches 2 to 3 ft tall and wide. DESCRIPTION: Big, showy, upright, red plumes appear in late summer and persist through winter on this easy-care ornamental grass. Terrific contrast for sportsfieldmanagementonline. com June 2026 | SportsField Management
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