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Darwin Perennials

Team Experts

Consumer demand for ornamental grasses continues to grow as landscapes trend toward low-maintenance, drought-tolerant and multi-season plantings. For perennial greenhouse growers and nursery producers, ornamental grasses provide opportunities to diversify crop offerings while delivering strong retail performance.

In this three-part production series from Darwin Perennials®, growers can follow ornamental grass crops through every stage of production, from receiving young plants through landscape installation. Presented by Product Representatives Chris Fifo and Darren Barshaw, this series highlights practical production techniques that help growers produce uniform, high-quality crops ready for retail success.

“From Start To Finish! Ornamental Grasses” is the latest educational how-to from Darwin Perennials, featuring Grass Schizachyrium scoparium Free Spirit® and Grass Panicum virgatum Dream Catcher®. Start learning about these ornamental grasses and watch the videos below!

Part 1: Receiving and Transplant Care

The production process begins with proper scheduling, receiving and transplanting. Growers learn how to prepare for incoming liners, inspect plant quality and establish crops for strong root development and consistent growth.

Part 1 Video Highlights include:

• Improve transplant success and crop uniformity.
• Establish strong root systems early in production.
• Enhance scheduling accuracy for Spring and Summer sales.

Part 2: Finishing and Shipping

As crops mature, attention shifts to achieving market-ready quality. This segment focuses on plant bulking, finishing strategies, crop timing and preparing ornamental grasses for shipment to retail customers.

Part 2 Video Highlights include:

• Produce well-branched, retail-ready crops.
• Improve crop consistency and presentation.
• Ensure plants arrive at retail in peak condition.

Part 3: Fall Landscape Planting

The final video in this series demonstrates how ornamental grasses transition from greenhouse production to landscape success. Growers gain insights into Fall planting recommendations and how to support retail customers and drive repeat sales.

Part 3 Video Highlights include:

• Educate customers on proper establishment practices.
• Promote ornamental grasses as a fall sales opportunity.
• Strengthen consumer confidence and repeat purchases.

Why Ornamental Grasses Belong in Every Perennial Program

Ornamental grasses bring texture, movement, durability, and four-season interest to the landscape. Varieties such as Schizachyrium Free Spirit and Panicum Dream Catcher offer excellent landscape performance while meeting consumer demand for resilient, low-maintenance plants. By understanding each stage of production, growers can improve crop quality, increase retail appeal and achieve more consistent production outcomes.

To check out the full video playlist on YouTube, check it out here.