Grass Specifications
- Season: Perennial
- USDA Zones: 8 - 10
- Height: 8 inches
- Width: 12 - 20 inches
- Foliage Color: Soft green
- Flower Color: Silver
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Fall Color: No change
- Soil Requirement: Average to poor soil
- Environment: Full sun to partial shade
- Moisture Requirements: Average to moist
Planting Directions
- Temperature: 64 - 75F
- Average Germ Time: 2 - 3 weeks
- Light Required: Yes
- Depth: Do not cover seed as light is required for germination
- Sowing Rate: 3 seeds per plant
- Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination
- Plant Spacing: 12 - 16 inches
- Care & Maintenance: See: Isolepsis
Isolepsis Cernua (Live Wire) - This unique ornamental grass like plant is ideal for adding texture to mixed containers or as an indoor gift plant. The short, billowing mound of soft green leaves is accented by flower spikes that look like “fiber optic” strands. Easy-to-grow plants make a dense, mounded habit without pinching. Grows upright as a young plant and then draping as they mature. Performing well in wet conditions, Live Wire is also a good choice for planting alongside ponds and water gardens.
Its stems grow up and out in a fountainous mass from the center, offering nice textural contrast to neighboring plants. Children are fascinated by its unusual shape, and it puts up with a lot of stress, from heat and humidity to poor soil. Prefers a shady garden location, but can handle sun if moisture level is maintained. Hardy only in zones 8-10, it is worth growing as an annual farther north, and remains lovely for years when grown as a houseplant.
