Re: Two grasses for shade

Bobbi,

I don't remember the flowers so I looked it up, (which doesn't mean they aren't showy, but that I'm not observant :).  Here's what I found from John Greenlee's encyclopedic book of ornamental grasses about the 2 grasses in question:

Elymus arenarius 'Glaucus'
He says about Elymus arenarius 'Glaucus': plant whereever its blue foliage can be enjoyed.  To control its invasive, rhizomatous habit in perennial borders, plant it in a drainage tile or concrete barrier.  ...its colonizing habit may be used to advantage as a dune stabilizer and for erosion control on coastal blufs.  tolerates both salt spray and ocean winds.Its folliage is striking against a dark background or combined with vibrant flower colors.  Along the water's edge, its blue foliage is reflected dramatically.  It is a good drought-tolerant grass for dry coastal sites.  it grows in just about any soil type, in ful sun or light shade.  It is less invasive in heavy clays and dry soils.  

He also says a lot more but that's enough I think.  Oh, it was a favorite plant of English gardener Gertrude Jekyll.

Luzula nivea
Greenlee says its charming with gray-green foliage covered by soft, downy hairs.  Perhaps the most ornamental of all the woodrushes, its small size and ease of culture make it a fine addition to almost any garden.  Showy white flowers emerge on spikes 12-16 inches above folliage.  For landscape use, he says it's a choice groundcover in moist, shady locations.  While effective planted in masses and groups, it also makes a fine single specimen in a shady border.  Some of the first blooms to appear in a spring border, the flowers are attractive in fresh or dried arrangements.  It grows best in moist soil rich in humus in light shade.  It is suprisingly tolerant of less than perfect conditions.
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