Isolepis cernua 'Live Wire'

Common Name: Ornamental Grass, Fiber Optic Grass, Mop-sedge

Most often used in combination containers or as a bog specimen, Fiber Optic Grass adds a unique and lovely textural element wherever it is planted. It forms a very dense, billowing, fountain-like mound of very finely textured, soft green leaves. New leaves emerge upright from the center of the clump, then spill down the mound as they elongate.

The clump is accented by tiny white flowers about the size of a grain of rice which appear at the very tips of the leaves all season long. They look like fiber optic strands, thus the common name.

Height:

6.0-8.0 Inches

Spread:

20.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

8,9,10

Flower Color:

White Shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Consistent Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Late Spring Early Summer Midsummer Late Summer Early Fall Mid Fall Long Blooming

Growth Rate:

Slow Medium

Garden Style:

Asian Patio Container Eclectic Modern Water Garden

Other Features:

Bog Plant Border Plant Container

Origin:

Native to North America

Fiber Optic Grass is a type of sedge so it prefers some shade, but will take full sun if the soil is consistently moist to wet. This plant needs lots of water to survive and thrive, so take care to select plants with similar cultural needs when using it in combination containers. It is a warm season grass, so it is most actively growing during the warmer summer months. WARNING: This plant is poisonous if ingested.

Characteristics