Ornamental Grasses Show Minimal Response to Cultural Inputs

• DOI: 10.21273/horttech.21.4.443
• Publication Date: 2018-12-14T18:17:18Z
• Authors: Mack Thetford; Gary W. Knox; Edwin R. Duke
• Keywords: Eragrostis; Ornamental plant; Growing season; Stolon; Pennisetum

Full sun trial gardens were established at two sites in northern Florida. Six U.S. native and three non-native warm season grass species evaluated a split-plot design. Only eastern gamagrass ( Tripsacum dactyloides ), elliott's lovegrass Eragrostis elliottii gulf hairawn muhly Muhlenbergia capillaris little bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Central Park' maiden Miscanthus sinensis ) showed significant response to supplemental irrigation or fertilization. Supplemental did not influence foliage height for any of the grasses, whereas fertilization influenced only chinese fountain Pennisetum alopecuroides ). The differences between locations attributed part soil types. This study observed minimal no shoot growth tested, thereby affirming broad adaptability need inputs these ornamental landscape plants.