Ornamental Grass Melinis Savannah

In spring the new foliage emerges a bold blue-green, slender and very symmetrical on neat little 6- to 12-inch plants. The leaves are pointed and held straight up, but are soft to the touch rather than spiky. The rich blue-green striping remains even through the hottest days of summer and during fall, keeping Savannah looking as fresh as early spring.

Beginning in midsummer, plumes of rich mauve emerge above the foliage. About 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 inches long, they gradually mature to a softer shade of rosy-pink, then turn creamy tan. In mild climates the plumes dry and remain on the plant well into winter! They're superb for cutting, of course, and so plentiful you'll never miss a few stolen stems! And at the height of the season, you'll have all three colors -- plus many shades in between -- on the plants at once, for a festive multicolored look!

Savannah is easy to grow from seed. Start indoors or out, lightly covering the seeds and keeping the Bio Dome or potting mix on the dry side. The seeds sprout in a week to 10 days, and within 10 weeks you'll have good-sized plants ready for transplant (if started indoors). Unlike many ornamental grasses, Savannah stays compact, which makes it appropriate even for formal gardens.

Space plants about 9 to 12 inches apart in full sun and any well-drained garden soil. Savannah is perennial south of zone 8, so you may be in for a very pleasant surprise next year. Elsewhere it is grown as an annual. Enjoy this super easy-care delight! Pkt is 30 seeds.