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A not-so-delicate container combo

comments (2) March 26th, 2010 in blogs

Michelle Gervais, Associate Editor

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Photo: Michelle Gervais

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This combo may look refined and fussy, but its anchor is one tough cookie. Japanese blood grass (Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra', USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9) is sometimes banished from borders due to its aggressive nature. In fact, the species is listed as invasive in Virginia, Georgia, and Florida. But in this Minnesota garden, it makes the perfect centerpiece for a container planting along with an ornamental oregano and a dainty diascia.

Welcome to the Fine Gardening Garden Photo of the Day blog! Every weekday we post a new photo of a great garden, a spectacular plant, a stunning plant combination, or any number of other subjects. Think of it as your morning jolt of green.

Sign up to get new posts delivered to your inbox each morning, so you'll always remember to take a look. We look forward to sharing our garden travels with you.

If you think you have a photo that we should share on the Garden Photo of the Day, email us. Send hi-res images to mgervais@taunton.com with GPOD in the subject line. We'll only respond if we plan to use your photo.

posted in: Grasses

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Beautiful AND functional

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Deep red equals high drama

Comments (2)

arboretum writes: i agree. this plant is really not usually z. 5 hardy.

neat container design but the photo would be better appreciated if cropped to a closeup of the container. the background has no relation to the container and is not needed.

Posted: 12:26 pm on March 29th

itsagreatlife writes:
I love the use of the Ornamental Oregano - I am reinspired to use it again this year. I seemed to have forgotten how beautiful it is. The Japanese Blood Grass is annual here in Pennsylvania, especially after this last horrid winter, but it is so beautiful in containers and I use it a good bit. I love the idea of coupling it with the Ornamental Oregano - thanks for tickling my memory.

Posted: 10:22 am on March 26th

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Welcome to the Fine Gardening GARDEN PHOTO OF THE DAY blog!

Every weekday we post a new photo of a great garden, a spectacular plant, a stunning plant combination, or any number of other subjects. Think of it as your morning jolt of green.

Sign up to get new posts delivered to your inbox each morning so you'll always remember to take a look, or subscribe to our RSS feed. We look forward to sharing our garden travels with you.

If you think you have a photo that we should share on the Garden Photo of the day, email us. Send hi-res images to mgervais@taunton.com with GPOD in the subject line. We'll only respond if we plan to use your photo.