Ornamental grasses and grass-like plants, a “new wave” in landscaping around the turn of the millennium, now might more properly be called a “cresting wave.”

Consumer demand and other market trends, as well as media influences and production availability, have fueled the rapid growth of these perennial selections in the last few years. Consumers and commercial users have turned to perennials more and more often because they are different and they are interesting; and they are more readily available. Homeowners have seen newer plants in cutting-edge landscapes promoted via cable TV and well-known magazines; and, because they now understand how to use these new varieties, they are not afraid to try them.

Moreover, they are not afraid to use them in larger numbers.

Celebrated Plants may be used singly, in groups or as mass plantings to create a changing, low maintenance landscape.

“Before perennials became more widely known, they didn’t appeal to homeowners as much as annuals, which were often showier and easier to find,” says Sis Reda, Director of Marketing for VersaScapes, LLC, a developer of improved ornamental grass-like plants. “They might have used just a few perennials in a landscape to see what they might do. Now consumers are placing perennials where shrubs or lawns have been. They have found that selection is extensive and varied, and that there are many, many choices.”

However, even novelty and variety wear thin if the plants are expensive or difficult to maintain. These disadvantages do not apply to superior selections, says Reda. “Since there are many choices, there are many price points available to consumers. Perennials are less expensive to install than other options, and consumers realize that they can enjoy them past just one season, which increases their value.”

The graceful Nafray Select attains optimum height for an ornamental grasslike plant, and has attractive plumes.

Maintenance should not be a problem for perennials in general, including ornamental grasses. The improved varieties are relatively problem free and need minimal maintenance. These benefits are inherent in the Celebrated Plants™ line of improved ornamental grass-like plants, according to their developer VersaScapes, LLC and the people who grow them.

“These plants are just right for what users are asking for now,” says Mike Pope of Bethel Farms. Bethel Farms is a large agricultural company based in Arcadia, Florida, and a producer of citrus, cattle, fertilizer, sod, grass plugs, and nursery plants. Bethel Farms is a licensee of VersaScapes, and as such, they are authorized to grow, market and sell Celebrated Plants.

“These plants are full of texture and other interest, and give a fresh look to landscapes and gardens,” says Pope. “Not only do they look great, they are better performers. Labor and water issues have created a need for solutions that address both. The appeal has been broad, from cities looking to minimize worker exposure to roadway traffic, to homeowners with less time on their hands to maintain traditional annual color beds. Celebrated Plants have opened the door to whole new market segment for us.”

Pope foresees the trend continuing. “You are seeing more of the low maintenance, water-wise commercial designs filtering down to the residential side. Customers are very pleased to discover their needs can be met without compromising the design palette.”

VersaScapes and Bethel Farms representatives agree that the future for Celebrated Plants, and improved plants like them, is promising. VersaScapes is planning to meet anticipated demand by growers, consumers and other end users by bringing six new varieties to market in the next two years. These new introductions will be additions to the six Celebrated Plants selections that the company has in production now across the U.S. via a network of licensed growers. The plants that are available now capture a variety of forms, colors and textures; from the elegant, graceful Breeze (lomandra longifolia) to the tall, grassy Nafray Select (Pennisetum alopecuroides).

“The demand for perennials, especially these very low maintenance types, will continue to increase,” asserts Reda. "The outlook shows a growing market.”

For more information about Celebrated Plants, visit celebratedplants.com. For information about licensing opportunities, contact VersaScapes LLC at 843.849.1272. Bethel Farms may be reached at Tel. 863.494.3057 or info@bethelfarms.com.