Introduction
Ornamental grasses plants are quickly becoming a wonderful aspect of home gardens across America, offering a sense of textures, movement, and beauty present year-round. Ornamental grasses have what annual and perennial flowers simply do not – the beautiful flowing dance of foliage in the breeze and the physical structure of architectural meaning that can be left standing in the garden through winter.
If you are looking for a screen, want to add texture to flower beds, or are dealing with a low-maintenance landscape needing filling, ornamental grasses are the perfect solution! From the stunning 6-foot towering fountain grass to the low, border-size mondo grass, ornamental grasses have many options for every style of garden and space!
In this ultimate guide you will learn about 25 ornamental grasses plants which I find to be some of the most gorgeous and practical to ornamental grasses plant choices. I will also provide you with growing tips, care instructions, and landscape design notes for all these beautiful exceptional plants. You will learn what ornamental grasses varieties will work best in your region and climate, how to plant ornamental grasses correctly for the best success, and unique and creative ways to incorporate ornamental grasses into your overall landscape design.
- Benefits of growing Ornamental Grasses Plants
- Popular Cool-Season Ornamental Grasses
- Top Warm-Season Ornamental Grasses
- Planting and Care Guide for Ornamental Grasses Plants
- Design Ideas and Tips for Landscaping
- Maintenance and Seasonal Care
- Common Problems and their solutions
- Specialty Ornamental Grasses Plants Varieties
- Advanced Design Techniques
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Benefits of growing Ornamental Grasses Plants
Low maintenance beauty
If you are looking for low maintenance plants, look no further than ornamental grasses. Once established, most varieties will require very little watering, very little fertilization, and are naturally pest and disease resistant. With so many ornamental grasses varieties to choose from, they are certainly the right choice for busy gardeners, or for anyone that is trying to decrease lawn care time.
Four seasons interest
Perennial plants are notoriously known for disappearing in the winter months and returning in the spring. Ornamental grasses provide year-round structure and beauty. In the spring, the grass will resprout with fresh green; summer will create lush green leaves on every mature ornamental grass; fall will provide physiological changes that include seed heads, colour changes, and more; winter will provide architectural interest and habitat for local wildlife.
Tip Box: Consider planting ornamental grasses plants in the fall for best establishment. Cooler temperatures will provide the roots to develop before winter, providing potentially stronger plants the following spring. Ecological Benefits
These grasses can create an ecological complexity that provides food and habitat to birds, beneficial insects, and small mammals. The native varieties of grasses we have in North America are a treasure; they feed local ecosystems and , at the same time, create beautiful landscapes.
Versatile Design Options
Ornamental grasses have endless design options ranging from mass plantings, which create stunning drifts of plants, to specimen plants that stand alone in the garden as single focal points. This can be successful in modern gardens, prairie-style landscaping, and traditional perennial garden beds. Ornamental grasses work for all gardens, other than shade, of course
Popular Cool-Season Ornamental Grasses
Cool-season grasses get growing early, and reach their potential in the fall, and hold their form through the winter. Cool-season grasses are exceptional in southern regions that are hot in the summer, but cool in the mornings and evenings in the winter.
Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora)
Feather reed grass is an upright clumping grass that, at maturity can grow to 3-5 feet tall. It has stunning wheat-colored plumes in the summer and is extremely hardy. It can be used as a vertical accent, and is also an effective privacy screening plant.
Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade, moist but well drained soil
Zones: 3-9
Spacing: 18-24 inches apart
Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca)
Blue fescue is a compact blue-gray grass that grows in neat tufts, 8-12 inches high. It is used for borders, rock gardens, and containers, and it adds cool-toned color that works exceptionally well with flowers and foliage.
Growing Conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil
Zones: 5-8
Spacing: 12-18 inches apart
Japanese Blood Grass (Imperata cylindrica)
Japanese Blood Grass is an amazing adaptable grass to site conditions and location and offers stunning colors and textures to your landscape. A striking ornamental grass, Japanese Blood Grass transitions from a purple/burgundy base to crimson in the green grass in midsummer. It is strongly recommended that you try to find cultivars of Japanese Blood Grass that are sterile so that only the cultivars are propagated in nature and not the invasive species.
Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade, adaptable to many soils
Zones: 5-9
Spacing: 18-24 inches apart
Little Bluestem
Little Bluestem Aside from all technicalities, unlike switch grasses, little blue stem is a similar height and texture that is ideal for prairie gardens and low maintenance seeding environments. The shorter clumping habit is great for the intense winds and sun conditions of prairies, making companies and horticulturists prefer the outstanding qualities of little bluestem over switch grasses.
Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade, adaptable to many soils
Zones: 5-8
Spacing: 12-18 inches apart
Switch Grass
Switch grass is very tall waving grass suitable for creating more permanent hedgerows and windbreaks to enhance, enrich, and protect many different ecological systems or their landscapes at large. You could say is-for erbs of little bluestem, prairie grassland, and prairie installations or landscapes. You may also find it elsewhere and anywhere on pines.
Growing Conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil
Zones: 4-9
Spacing: 15-18 inches apart
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Top Warm-Season Ornamental Grasses
Warm-season grasses begin developing in late spring and summer and can produce their best-looking displays when the temperatures are warm! The will perform well in hot climates and add a tropical element to your garden.
Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides)
Fountain grass is elegant, very hardy, easy to grow, and proven garden stars. This graceful grass develops graceful arching clumps 2-4 feet tall with bottlebrush-like flower heads that catch the light beautifully.
Growing Conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil
Zones: 5-9
Spacing: 24-36″ apart
Maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis)
Maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis) is amongst the most commonly grown ornamental grasses, also it is big, beautiful and easy to grow. Also known as Chinese silver grass, it has narrow-as-band arching foliage with silvery plumes.
Growing Conditions: Full sun or part shade, moist but well-drained soil
Zones:Â 5-9
Spacing:Â 3-4 feet apart
Popular Varieties:
– ‘Gracillimus’ (narrow foliage)
– ‘Zebrinus’ (horizontal yellow stripe variations)
– ‘Morning Light’ (white marginal leaves)
Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)
For high other-worldly drama to the late-season landscape there are few plants that can match the drama of showing pink muhly grass. From late-summer till fall, the bright pink seed heads billow about like cotton candy floating through the landscape giving it great texture and striking color especially when backlit by a low sun.
Growing Conditions:Â Full sun, well-drained soil
Zones:Â 6-10
Spacing:Â 24-36 inches apart
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
This native prairie grass is very tough and forgiving. It has an upright growth habit, changing from green to golden-yellow in fall, and provides great wildlife habitat.
Growing Conditions: full sun, adaptable to a variety of soil types
Zones: 3-9
Spacing: 18-24 inches apart
Quote Box: “Switchgrass is the top of the line of native grasses for the modern landscape. It’s available in many varieties with different colours and growth habits, it is adaptable to many growing conditions, offers year-round interest, and is great on its own or in conjunction with other varieties of grasses. It truly is a designer favourite.” – Landscape Design Expert
Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)
This tall prairie grass can reach 6-8 feet and produces wonderful blue-green foliage, then bronze-red in the fall. Big bluestem is fantastic for naturalistic gardens and prairie restorations.
Growing Conditions: full sun, well-drained soil
Zones: 3-9
Spacing: 24-36 inches apart
Planting and Care Guide for Ornamental Grasses Plants
When to Plant
Some warm-season grasses do a better job if they are planted in the spring, thereby allowing the growing season to develop a good root system before winter. Cool-season grasses can be planted in either the spring or fall, with fall planting often Spring Planting (March-May):
– Warm-season grasses
– Areas with severe winters
– Container-grown plants
Fall Planting (September-November):
– Cool-season grasses
– Moderate-winter areas
– Bare-root plants
Credit: Â R. Kasten Dumroese
Soil Preparation
Select an area with well-drained soil and full sun (most grasses require at least six hours of direct sunlight every day). Most ornamental grasses prefer well-drained soil, yet they can adapt to many soils.
Soil Requirements:
– pH range: 6.0 – 7.5
– Good drainage is mandatory
– Moderate soil fertility is preferred
– Avoid soil that is too rich
Planting Steps
1. Dig the hole twice as wide as the root ball, but as deep as the root ball
2. Loosen the roots by gently tugging if pot-bound
3. Put the plant at the same depth that it was growing in the container
4. Backfill with native soil, no amendments necessary
5. Water thoroughly to settle soil around the roots
6. Mulch lightly around the base of the plant, but do not allow mulch to touch the crown
Relevance: https://www.wikihow.life/Plant-Landscape-Grasses
Watering Requirements
Ornamental grasses require frequent watering when you first plant them to establish their root systems. Water them every other day to start, then water them twice a week for the first growing season.
First-year Watering Schedule:
– Weeks 1-2: Water every other day
– Weeks 3-8: Water two times per week
– Months 3-12: Water every week during dry conditions
Established plants:
Most ornamental grasses have drought resistance once they are established. Water only during protracted dry periods, or when foliage begins to show drought stress.
Design Ideas and Tips for Landscaping
Using Plants for Privacy Screens
Planting tall grasses in large groups is an excellent way to screen your yard from your neighbors or block an undesirable view. To have the greatest effect, you will want to select the taller species such as big bluestem, miscanthus, and moor grass. Those grasses will stand tall – approximately 6′ tall when flowering.
Best grasses for privacy:
– Miscanthus species (6-8 feet)
– Big bluestem (6-8 feet)
– Fountain grass species (4-6 feet)
– Feather reed grass (4-5 feet)
Mixing Borders
It is best to partner ornamental grasses with some of the best perennial plants such as coneflowers, salvia, verbena, santolina, sanguisorba, and poppy. These plants all have a light and floaty aesthetic that partners perfectly with ornamental grasses.
Ideal Plant Combinations:
– Fountain grass + Purple coneflower
– Blue fescue + Lavender
– Maiden grass + Sedum cultivars
– Pink muhly grass + Black-eyed Susan
Container Gardening
Many ornamental grasses do well in a container so they would be great for patios, decks, etc. They can also grow in small spaces as long as you use compact varieties and have good drainage.
Best Container Varieties:
– Blue fescue (compact in size)
– Fountain grass (dwarf or selected varieties)
– Japanese forest grass (can tolerate shade)
– Sedge varieties (many sizes but look for compact varieties or smaller varieties)
Container Gardening Tips:
– Use pots at least 18 inches wide
– Make sure the container has holes for drainage
– Use quality potting mix
– container plants will need to be watered more than ground plants
Mass Plantings
When you create large drifts of ornamental grasses or a group of hardy perennials, you will get great visual impact with less to do! Use odd numbered groups of plantings (groups of 3, 5, or 7) to get a more natural looking display!
Maintenance and Seasonal Care
Spring Care
Spring is typically the time when you do the major maintenance. It is the best time to cut back old growth from last season, to divide clumps that have outgrown their space, and apply slow-release fertilizer if needed.
Spring Tasks:
– Remove dead foliage cut back to 4-6 inches
– Divide large clumps every 3-4 years
– Add compost to plants at base
– Start a watering routine
Summer Care
The first year ornamental grasses require lots of water. The soil was fluffed up when you dug the hole and should dry out faster than undisturbed soil. As for after this first summer of growth, established plants require no summer care except to keep them alive with water.
Summer Tasks:
– During extended dry periods water your new ornamental grasses
– Deadhead spent flowers if desired
– Monitor for pest issues (rarely in ornamental grasses)
– Sit back and enjoy the show.
Fall Care
Fall is peak beauty for warm-season grasses. It is also the time to plant your new grasses as well as preparing your grasses for winter.
Fall Tasks:
– Enjoy peak flowering time
– Plant your new ornamental grasses
– Start to decrease watering frequency
– Leave seed heads for winter interest
Winter Care
During any extended dry periods, water established plants. As for care, to promote moisture retention and weed suppression, apply a one or two inch layer of shredded leaves, evergreen needles or other organic material over the soil surface.
Winter Tasks:
– Let foliage stay up for winter interest
– Protect any tender varieties, depending on cold region
– Watering should be drastically reduced
– Plan for next year’s additions
Tip Box: The best advice is to never cut ornamental grasses back in fall. The standing foliage protects the crown in winter and creates added architectural interest in the winter landscape.
Common Problems and their solutions
Dividing overgrown clumps
The best tip is not to let the grass clumps get away from you. When it comes to ornamental grasses, do not let the clump exceed a foot in diameter. At this small size it is much easier to navigate around the plant.
To divide:
1. Dig around the entire clump.
2. Lift carefully with a spading fork.
3. Divide into smaller sections.
4. Replant as soon as possible.
5. Water thoroughly after planting.
Preventing Invasive Spread
Occasionally some ornamental grasses can be invasive. It is ideal to select sterile cultivars and/or remove seed heads prior to maturation.
Some preventative measures:
– Plant sterile cultivars
– Promptly remove seed heads
– Use root barriers when planting aggressive spreaders
– Continually monitor and removal invasive grasses as needed
Pest Issues
Most Ornamental Grasses are flexible, low care, pest, deer, and disease resistant. However, some situations may arise.
Potential Hurdles:
– Aphids: Apply water or insecticidal soap.
– Rust: Make sure air flow is good and overhead watering is limited.
– Crown Rot: Review for drainage and do not overwater.
Specialty Ornamental Grasses Plants Varieties
Colorful Foliage Varieties
Ornamental grasses comes in more colors than just green! There are amazing colors which can remain stable for a number of weeks during the growing season.
Blue/Silver Varieties:
– Blue oat grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens)
– Blue fescue (Festuca glauca)
– Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
Red/Purple Varieties:
– Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’)
– Red Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’)
– Japanese Blood Grass (Imperata cylindrica ‘Rubra’)
Variegated Varieties
Ornamental grasses that have striped and variegated attributes can be brilliant accents for garden design.
Some of the more desirable Variegated:
– Zebra grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’)
– Ribbon grass (Phalaris arundinacea ‘Picta’)
– Variegated Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Fireworks’)
Small Space Varieties
Not all ornamental grasses are giants. There are many that are the perfect compact version that will work in a small garden and container situation.
Best compact options for little spaces:
– Dwarf Fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’)
– Compact Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Eldorado’)
– Miniature Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana ‘Pumila’)
Advanced Design Techniques
Seasonal Succession Planting
Utilizing grasses that peak at different seasons can deliver a year round ornamental display.
Spring: Early bulbs with grasses that sprout.
Summer: Flowering perennials with lush grasses.
Fall: Grasses plumes paired with late-blooming perennials.
Winter: Architectural grass forms paired with evergreen structure.
Luminous Effect
Ornamental grasses can be truly stunning when they are backlit or uplighted: they can create a remarkable silhouette and embody swirling movement when lit effectively.
Luminous Effect Tips
Place lights behind translucent or semi-transparent grasses
Warm LED lights generate a stunningly golden effect
Uplight gently to capture and highlight movement
Cold white lights can generate a stunning moonlight effect.
Credit:Â welcomia / Getty Images
Water Elements
Grasses and water are always wonderful combinations. The sound of grasses rustling pairs beautifully with rippling water.
Design Ideas:
– Plant grasses around the edge of a pond.
– Create silky streams through a wetland or grasses pathway.
– Use a grasses to soften the edge of a hardscape feature that has water.
– Use grasses combined with aquatic plants that can give wonderful tiers or textures.
Conclusion
Ornamental grasses plants are one of the most enjoyable and flexible additions to your garden. Whether they are giant maiden grass or diminutive blue fescue, these beautiful plants are nearly no work when it comes to maintaining visual interest in your garden space.
The 25 varieties we discussed represent choices for every garden style, climate, and size. Whether you are designing a naturalistic prairie garden, adding texture to existing perennial borders, or you are just looking for something to screen neighbors who are fond of yelling out to one another; you can expect good results year after year with ornamental grasses.
It is worth re-emphasizing that the success of grass gardening begins with the right selection for your growing conditions. When you select which varieties to include in your garden, consider carefully your climate zone, soil type, and area for planting. Most importantly, experiment with combinations and designs whenever you can.
Planting recommendations for extension service
Do you want that ornamental grasses add at least a little of the beauty and elegance to your garden! First of all, just get started with a few that you like; then take it piecemeal as you gain experience! You’ll be glad for years to come that you went this route, and you will enjoy the work that is practically just acting on plant them!
FAQ
What are the best ornamental grasses plants for beginners?
The best ornamental grasses plants for beginners are ornamental grasses plants that are fountain grass, feather reed grass, and blue fescue. These species are very forgiving, and once established, require little care and provide dependable beauty in all garden contexts. Fountain Grass offers graceful arching foliage with bottlebrush flowers. Feather Reed Grass offers an upright structure and wheat-colored plumes.
When should I plant ornamental grasses in my garden?
The timing of planting will depend upon if the variety is a warm-season or cool-season species. For Cool-season grasses you can plant in spring or fall, but fall is likely preferable because it allows for better establishment. For Warm-season grasses you should plant in season (spring), so that the grass can establish throughout the growing season, before winter. Generally, you can plant container grown grass anytime during the growing season with proper care.
How often to divide ornamental grasses?
Most ornamental grasses would benefit from division once every 3-4 years; but varies by species and growing conditions. You may want to consider division if the clumps have a dead center, are flowering less, or growing beyond the established boundaries. Some fast-growing ornamental grasses could require division every 2-3 years, while some slow-growing varieties could stay undivided for 5- 6 years.
Do ornamental grasses need special fertilization?
No, and most ornamental grasses actually perform better when fertilization is minimized. Over-fertilization can produce weak, floppy growth and fewer flowers. A light spring fertilization of compost or a slow-release fertilizer can be adequate for many ornamental grasses. Once native grasses are established, they typically do not require any supplemental fertilization.
Can ornamental grasses survive harsh winters?
Many ornamental grasses are remarkably cold-hardy and offer beautiful winter interest. There are many cool-season grasses such as feather reed grass or blue fescue that can survive harsh winters in climate zones 3-4. The key is to leave the foliage standing for winter to protect the crown and cut the grass down in early spring. Select varieties rated for your specific hardiness zone to maximize the success.
