Each year, the Perennial Plant Association (PPA) names an outstanding plant its “Perennial of the Year.”  The selection for 2014 is Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’,  an ornamental grass that was a runner-up in 2012.  This is one of the first PPA winners in recent history that I have not personally grown and used in landscapes, so I cannot address it’s attributes first-hand.  I can vouch for other Panicums – for example, I use ‘Shenandoah’ very regularly — and the stated virtues of Northwind are impressive.

A North American native, P. virgatum ‘Northwind’  is hearty in much of the eastern United States.  It is a stately Panicum, reaching 4-5’ tall (6’ in flower) and 2-3’ wide.   A key attribute is that the plant retains its straight upright habit even through winter.  It provides color through the seasons – attractive olive- to blue-green foliage in summer (photo top left: Plant Delights Nursery) that turns golden yellow in fall, and produces the typical Panicum airy flower panicles – these appear yellow in late summer, turning beige into fall and winter.

Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’ in fall (photo: Univ. of Richmond)

Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’ flowers (photo: Horticulture Magazine)

Panicums are lovely in masses and provide both a nice facer for evergreen trees and a backdrop with contrast for perennials and small shrubs. Because of its stature, Northwind also is nicely used as a specimen – vertical accent. Like other Panicums, Northwind thrives in part to full sun, is reliably deer resistant, and rarely is impacted by insects or disease. Plants are cut back to the ground in early spring, and clumps can be divided every few years.

The PPA’s Perennial of the Year program is designed to showcase, each year, a perennial that is a “standout among its competitors.” These chosen plants are “suitable for a wide range of growing climates, require low maintenance, have multiple-season interest, and are relatively pest/disease free.”

Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’ in winter (Photo: http://blog.lib.umn.edu)

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See the before, during, and after photos of a grouping of ornamental grasses that we decided to cut back in early February this year.  The result made the nice stand of ornamental evergreen trees behind the grasses (3 or 4 varieties) really stand out for the rest of winter.   As shown, a power hedger makes cutting back such mature grass stands easy, though it is quite time-consuming to package all those cutting for disposal. (You can also tie the grass bunch together before cutting, with rope or duct tape, to keep the cuttings together).  Doing it now, leisurely, allows more time during the very busy early spring for the multitude of other chores.

Grasses Before

Grasses During Trimming

Grasses After Trimming

There are various other landscape tasks that can be done at this time.  Many deciduous trees and shrubs are best pruned now while they are dormant and their structure is easily visible.  Jump start garden bed clean up now, again to free up some time in the spring for many other things.   Hopefully, you’ve left many plants, with drying seed heads, in addition to the ornamental grasses, standing through the winter to provide interest and feeding opportunity for birds.  These too are likely beginning to topple and can be cut back.

You can also begin to remove old leaves and other plant debris sitting on the ground around plants.  It is, in fact, important to protect plants with compost or mulch, and often, fallen leaves contribute to this.  Also fallen plant matter decomposes and feeds the soil.  However, this debris, unfortunately, can harbor insects and diseases that overwinter in it and the soil beneath.  If left untouched, this debris becomes a prime suspect to attack your ornamental plants in the spring.  Ditto for clusters of fallen tree leaves that piled up after the fall leaf cleaning.  Breezes may have blown leaves up against shrubs and trees, and the large mats of leaves can also harbor pests and prevent needed moisture from reaching the base of plants.

You can start removing this material now, but do not leave bare ground around plants – they do need some protection from the cold.  Once temperatures moderate, you can finish the cleanup proceedings by applying compost or mulch around your plantings.  You may not need to pick up old debris under all plants.  Focus on those that are most susceptible to insects and diseases – roses for example, and other plants that have shown evidence of pest problems.   Keep in mind that pests will also overwinter in weeds that are around – such as winter annuals — and this is yet another reason to remove them promptly.

Winter is the “off-season” for gardening.  So, take advantage of those warmer days to tackle tasks such as these.  Your spring gardening chores will be easier.

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Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem)

Every landscape should include a nice selection of ornamental grasses. They are very easy care plants – generally only needing shearing back close to the ground in early spring. They like lean soil – no need to fertilize. They are reliably deer resistant and pest free. They provide a range of benefits in the landscape – e.g., they make useful screening for much of the year (unless they deteriorate from heavy snow or other conditions, they should be left standing through the winter to provide interest for people and wildlife) and they can function as a groundcover to keep weeds at bay and prevent erosion. They mostly thrive in sun and dry soil, but there are species that do fine in moist soil and some shade. The photos show examples of some of the smaller varieties – not necessarily plants used for large screening, but plants that can fit into most any landscape. They also perform nicely in containers.

Nasella tenuissima (Mexican Feather Grass)

Calamagrostis brachytricha (Korean Feather Reed Grass)

Muhlenbergia capillaris (Pink Muhly Grass)

Acorus gramineus ‘Ogon’ (Golden Variegated Sweet Flag)

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