help! " the grass is always greener"...

I work at the local Burger king and my boss gave me the keys to the garden! And free hydrangea cuttings! The owner chose the plants for most of the existing garden, and though it's FULL SUN. ALL DAY. there are hostas and hydrangeas.... and then there is this ornamental grass.... I don't know the first thing about it, and I can't tell if it's just sun burnt or needs dividing. In order to maintain an orderly and very symetrical look there's. A thick layer of landscape fabric that is somewhat close at the base. It's especially. Tight to the hostas, which definitely need dividing. Any ideas what type of grass this is, why it looks so bad, and how to better care for it?

Looks like one of the variegated Carex (sedge) species, although I could be wrong. I don't think they like full sun if that's what it is.

Or it could be Aztec Grass....Ophiopogon which is used quite frequently in commercial landscapes

http://www.tropicsphere.com/main/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=8762&p=71555

I think ecrane's right. It looks a lot like the Carex 'Evergold' that has become popular here for container plantings in fall. They don't like hot afternoon sun which is why that one looks fried.

Since i removed some fried spots and pulled the cloth back so it could breathe there seems to be more new growth which isn't fried yet. But... It's also been gloomy lately till these past two days. We'll see. Thanks though because
i think we'll be moving it to a better spot. Not sure when.

I have it too and mine let me know when it didn't like the lack of drainage, put it in a pot and it's revived and doing great. Being in Georgia I have to keep mine in mostly shade too or they would cook.

This message was edited Jun 20, 2011 12:09 PM

Looks like Ribbon Grass/Reed Canary Grass to me. See http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/1582/

I am in 7a/7b zone and I have a plant in my flower bed --looks like this, too. I bought a sprig of it about 3-4 years ago from a lady that said it was Ribbon Grass and it has grown to about 1x2 ft. area in full sun. I would agree that it can be invasive. I started pulling out some of mine this year because I do not want any larger area of it than it is now. My soil is clay acidic and I amended the bed and keep it watered.

Based on other comments I might try it around the base of our trees and see how it does in the dry shade.

I would suggest planting it where it can be contained or if feasible to keep it pulled so as not to overtake the area.

Hmmmm many cultivar ideas, and all seem to be shade loving. I think we'll have to move them.