Ornamental Karley Rose Grass

Appearance

• Growing to a mature height of 2 to 3 feet, "Karley Rose" has a similar spread. Its leaves have a cascading, arching habit while the fluffy seed heads rise straight above and outward in a fountainlike fashion. Unlike its parent species, which produces light-green leaves and creamy-tan seed heads tinged with pink, "Karley Rose" produces dark-green leaves and purplish-red seed heads that last from June until September, about one month longer than the parent species' seed heads last.

Features

• "Karley Rose" is a resilient plant that tolerates drought and air pollution. It even tolerates the roots of black walnut trees (Juglans nigra), which secrete a toxin called juglone that can damage many common garden plants. "Karley Rose" is considered deer-resistant. It may be grown in containers and planters as long as they have a hole for water drainage. The seed heads may be cut, dried and used in crafts and dried-flower bouquets.

Culture

• Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 to 8, "Karley Rose" grows in full sunlight as well as partial shade. Its flowering is best in full sunlight and may be reduced in partial shade. The plant is tolerant of a range of soil types as long as the soil is well-draining, though a sandy loam is ideal. Water "Karley Rose" grass regularly to keep its soil moist but not waterlogged or flooded.

Maintenance

• "Karley Rose" must be planted level with the soil level. Planting it too deep causes root rot in the plant's center. The center generally begins to die in a mature plant as well, though that can be fixed by removing the dead leaves and applying compost to the newly cleared area. That procedure promotes new growth to appear in the center. The grass may be propagated by seeds or by division in early spring just as new growth appears.