Other Names:  Gama Grass, Dwarf Fakahatchee Grass

Description:

A vigorous, clump forming Florida native grass with coarse arching blades that are narrow and flat; finger-like orange and purple flower spikes occur all year; add texture to borders or along the edges of ponds or walkways

Ornamental Features

Florida Gamagrass has masses of beautiful spikes of orange flowers with purple overtones at the ends of the stems from mid to early winter, which are most effective when planted in groupings. Its attractive grassy leaves remain bluish-green in color throughout the year.

Landscape Attributes

Florida Gamagrass is a dense herbaceous evergreen perennial grass with a shapely form and gracefully arching stems. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other garden plants with finer foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. It is a good choice for attracting birds and butterflies to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spreading
• Self-Seeding

Florida Gamagrass is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Rock/Alpine Gardens
• General Garden Use
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Florida Gamagrass will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity extending to 4 feet tall with the flowers, with a spread of 3 feet. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under typical garden conditions. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in poor soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is native to parts of North America. It can be propagated by division.