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.

Ipomoea ‘Sweet Caroline Raven’

When putting together Halloween combinations it’s important to include some dramatic foliage spilling over the edge of the container, like bubbles overflowing out of a witch’s caldron. Sweet potato vine is a good choice and we have a nice assortment of holiday shades that enhance other warm fall colors:

‘Marguerite’—heart-shaped leaves of vibrant chartreuse complement many gold, orange, and red autumn accents while contrasting boldly with black foliage plants including ‘Black Pearl’ pepper and some of our other ipomoea selections

‘Sweet Caroline Rusty Red’—tapered, pointy leaves are antique red and muted chartreuse with red veins; the subtle tones blend right in with autumn displays, creating a nice backdrop for brighter décor elements

‘Blackie’—dusky purple-black leaves are tapered and lobed, adding a gothic element to seasonal planters and eye-catching contrast when used with colorful mums and pansies

‘Sweet Caroline Raven’—lacy, deep purple-black leaves are tapered and pointed; flowering plants of almost any color stand out against the striking black foliage

All of our ipomoea selections are available in the 4.5-inch pot.

Ipomoea ‘Sweet Caroline Rusty Red’

Ornamental Pepper ‘Calico’

Here are two intriguing peppers you may remember that are tailor-made for Halloween displays: ‘Black Pearl’ and ‘Calico’. Both are understandably popular this time of year so if you want them, get them soon before they vanish.

‘Black Pearl’ adds a dark, mysterious touch to spooky urns or caldrons, with shiny black leaves to reflect the moonlight. Tight clusters of pearl-like fruits turn from glossy black to brilliant, bloody red—glowing against the blackness as a reminder that they’re fiery hot.

‘Calico’ brings eccentric foliage to the Halloween party, with leaves that are variegated purple, green, and white. Attractive yet unassuming purple peppers are fiendishly hot and transform into a more appropriate blazing red as they age. Keep this one away from the trick-or-treaters.

With regular watering these peppers will last until the frost arrives in late autumn.

• ‘Calico’ is available in the 4.5, 6, and 8-inch sizes.
• ‘Black Pearl’ comes in the 8-inch pot.

Ornamental Pepper ‘Black Pearl’