Santa Rosa Gardens

Very similar to Karl Foerster, but compact foliage is variegated with creamy white vertical stripes. Strong, architectural, upright habit, with thin, arching foliage makes a stunning vertical accent; useful for back borders. The grass is often used around water gardens and in naturalized areas that tend to flood. Excellent for winter interest in the garden. Silky, reddish-pink flower plumes bloom July-August. Must have winter chill to bloom. Non-invasive, and won't reseed. Prefers moist, well draining soil, but is tolerant of various soil conditions, including heavy clay. Will be smaller in dry sites. Full sun to light shade, especially in hot, dry climates, and the South. Considered deer resistant once established.

Annual maintenance consists of cutting the old growth down in early spring before new growth starts. Make the cut somewhere between 8 to 12 inches from the ground. Prefers full sun, but can be grown in light shade. However, too much shade can cause it to flop somewhat. Reed grass grows out from the center, and after a few years, you may discover a hole-in-the-donut effect. When this happens, dig the plant up and divide it. Preferred time for dividing is in spring.