Grasses for Halloween Décor

Cyperus ‘Baby Tut’

Last year we introduced the idea of jack-o’-lantern planters: treating a hollowed out pumpkin as a strawberry pot and filling it with assorted ornamentals as facial features. We like the added interest novelty combinations bring to a Halloween display so it’s time to get out the carving knife again. Here are a few unique grasses for topping off one of these light-hearted décor elements with a stylish hairdo.

 Cyperus ‘Baby Tut’ has dark green needle-like leaves that resemble sparklers or umbrellas. This unusual variety creates an eye-catching Fraggle Rock look. It also brings to mind a feathery Kentucky Derby-style hat, or an ornate headdress for a fancy Las Vegas showgirl.

 
Juncus ‘Blue Arrows’

Juncus ‘Blue Arrows’ is another way to go, with blue-green foliage that stands upright and stiff. Use this selection to fashion a severe shock top that ranks somewhere between Marge Simpson and Beaker from the Muppets.

 
Juncus ‘Spiralis’

Juncus ‘Spiralis’ is a tightly wound clump of corkscrew-like stems that unwind as they grow and spread out in every direction. We have a bit of fun with this grass—it’s custom made for a Medusa look, or simply for some wild, messy hair.

 
Pennisetum ‘Princess’

Jack-o’-lanterns need a dramatic backdrop and for that we recommend tall, dark ‘Princess’ pennisetum. Rustling in the autumn wind it creates an ominous setting, complete with chilling sound effects. Purple fountain grass is another spooky choice for a Halloween scene, with arching bronze-purple plumes that sway eerily in the breeze.

‘Baby Tut’, P. ‘Princess’, and P. ‘Rubrum’ (purple fountain grass) are available in the 1-gallon size.

‘Blue Arrows’ and ‘Spiralis’ come in the 4.5-inch pot.