While it is still early in the plant’s development, I can say it is already an absolute winner. The seedheads just recently emerged and they are fantastic:
And even better than the seedheads, is the beautiful variegated foliage on this ornamental grass:
Like the common Northern Sea Oats, ‘River Mist’ is shade tolerant and I have mine in a partial shade location (morning sun only). It just lights up in the afternoon shade and works well with others:
A few additional bits of info on this ornamental grass:
- Ultimate size is around 3′ x 3′ (mine is at about 2′ since it was planted in March)
- Survives in zones 3-8
- Deer resistant
- Can handle wet soil (woo hoo) and even survive some standing water
- The seedheads will mature to a purple/bronze color later in the summer/fall
To truly evaluate a plant, it takes years to watch its development so ‘River Mist’ will be watched closely the next few years. My biggest concern is the reseeding over the winter and into next spring. That could be an issue.
For now, it is an absolute stunner.
Well, I’m an equally neurotic Gardner and have been growing this beauty for about 4 yrs now. She does best in part sun exactly as u mentioned, mornings. She spreads like crazy in loose soil which ended up being a beautiful container companion to geraniums, Mexican Heather, sedum, and blue festica. I believe it spreads mostly by runners.
I also have River Mist and it’s doing well for me in dryish shade although it would probably like more moisture. I love how striking it is. I planted mine last fall and had to pull up seedlings this spring but it wasn’t a big deal. :o)
It really does look great. When winter comes cut you seeds off before they and replant.
Love the verigated leaves on this plant. Glad Anonymous said it’s a spreader as I’m fighting a losing war against the ones I currently have so I’d have to pass this one up. Pretty tho with those seed heads.