Lowlander Ornamental Grass is a sturdy, open-pollinated ornamental grass prized for its striking purple-gray plumes that emerge within 60 to 70 days of planting. This Setaria italica cultivar grows in a compact bush habit and excels as a cut or dried flower, bringing architectural beauty and texture to fresh arrangements or long-lasting dried displays. Direct sowing after the last frost or transplanting seedlings started indoors gives you flexibility in timing, making it accessible for gardeners of any experience level.
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Moderate
6-11
?in H x ?in W
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High
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Those purple-gray plumes are the real showstopper here, delivering color that's neither quite purple nor gray but a sophisticated blend of both. The grass matures quickly enough to feel rewarding but not so fast that you miss the slow unfurling of its distinctive panicles. It transitions beautifully from fresh cut material to dried arrangements, holding its color and structure for months without fading, which is rare in ornamental grasses.
Lowlander Ornamental Grass shines as both a fresh and dried cut flower. Harvest the plumes when fully open but before they become fluffy, and they'll hold their form and rich color through the seasons in dried arrangements. Fresh-cut stems bring a textural accent to bouquets, while dried material works beautifully in wreaths, dried flower installations, or long-term decorative displays.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date in individual containers or seedling trays. Seeds can be separated from the tray and transplanted directly to the garden without dividing. Keep soil warmly moist and provide bright light once seedlings emerge.
Harden off indoor-started seedlings for 7 to 10 days before planting out. Transplant after the last frost date when soil has warmed. Space plants 1 inch apart in the garden.
After the last frost date, sow seeds directly into prepared garden soil at a depth of 1/8 inch. Cover seeds lightly with soil and keep the area moist until germination. Thin seedlings to 1 inch spacing.
Harvest plumes when they are fully open but before they become fluffy. This typically occurs as the grass reaches maturity around 60 to 70 days. Cut stems with clean pruners just above the base and use immediately for fresh arrangements or hang to dry.
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