Try one of the best ornamental grasses for partial shade.
The bobbing flat seedheads ofnorthern sea oatsare distinctive, almost looking like little buff-to-bronze fish.
It’s one of thebest ornamental grassesfor partial shade, although it grows well in full sun.
The arching seed heads mature to golden bronze and are effective in fresh or dried arrangements.
Leave this plant standing in winter if you likeit’s attractive with a dusting of snow.
Add texture to your landscape with northern sea oats.
Northern sea oats are a fabulous cutting flower.
Snip the seed stems shortly after they begin to turn bronze for a long-lasting fresh or dried bouquet.
Northern sea oats are native to moist woodland edges, which makes them a great addition topart-shade gardens.
Create a woodland meadow with a collection of shade-tolerant grasses.
Sow the seeds 1/4 inch deep in pots filled withpotting soil.
When the seedlings are 2-3 inches tall, transplant them into a prepared garden bed.
Germination occurs in 7-14 days.
Soil and Water
Northern sea oats grass grows well in fertile soil and moist, well-drained sites.
Once it establishes a strong root system, ittolerates droughtwith ease.
Temperature and Humidity
Northern sea oats grows best in areas with moderate summer heat and average humidity.
It doesn’t do well in hot and humid areas in the South.
Fertilizer
Fertile soil is necessary for northern sea oats to be at its best.
Potting and Repotting Northern Sea Oats
Northern sea oats is also agood choice for patio containers.
The grass may require more frequent watering when planted in a container.
Pests and Problems
Pests don’t bother northern sea oats.
The grass isdeer-resistant, although a hungry deer might take a bite when no other food is available.
This native grass spreads slowly through its rhizome growth habit and quickly through reseeding.
The seedlings are easy to remove, but the task can be time-consuming.
Prevent bold reseeding by cutting off seed stalks in late summer.
The best method for propagating northern sea oats is division.
In midspring to midsummer, dig up a clump of the grass.
Immediately plant the section in a prepared bed of fertile, moist,well-draining soil.
Don’t let the roots dry out as you work.
If there is a delay, put the sections in a bucket of water.
They sometimes turn bright gold in the fall when planted in sunny sites.
The seed heads start green and then turn gold and bronze.
‘River Mist’ looks much like the species version but has bright green and white striped bamboo-bang out foliage.
In late summer, it forms beautiful silvery green seed heads.
‘River Mist’ grows up to 30 inches tall.
It grows best in some shade but tolerates full sun with adequate moisture.
Leadwort
For a fall show, plantleadwort.
This plant is also sometimes called plumbago, but it’s different from shrubby tropical plumbago.
Not all asters are fall bloomers.
Extend the season by growing some of the summer bloomers, as well.
This design can handle (even thrive in) the tough conditions common toclay soil.
When grown in optimal conditions, the perennial grass lives up to 10 years.
It reseeds freely, so acquiring new plants for a continuous supply isn’t difficult.
However, don’t eat the seeds if pesticides have been used on the plants.
