Looking for a way to add color, height and interest to your garden? Do you want some new plants that are resistant to heat, drought, wind, deer and many garden pests? Then it sounds like you are shopping for ornamental grasses. There are many varieties of ornamental grasses to choose from and nearly all of them are easy to grow.
Most varieties of ornamental grasses are clump forming. In other words, they won't take over your garden. These grasses will increase their spread and height steadily in the spring and summer. And, as an added benefit, many of these grasses produce seed heads that can be dried and used in your interior decor.
Planting tips:
- Plant grasses at the same depth as in the pot.
- The best times to plant are spring and fall.
- Use a low Nitrogen fertilizer when planting to prevent grasses from growing too quickly (they won't be able to support rapid growth)
- Good soil drainage is important.
- Most require Full Sun/Part Shade.
- Most can tolerate moderately moist to dry soil. Miscanthus varieties may require a little extra watering.
- Divide grasses in the spring or summer if they have a "dead spot", become crowded or if you just want more grasses.
- Ornamental grasses can also be used in container gardening.
Some of the interesting varieties that will grow well in our area:
Purple Fountain Grass Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'
Annual
Height: 2'-3'
Spread: 2'
Variegated, deep purple and bronze foliage with fuzzy seed heads.
Princess Caroline Pennisetum 'Princess Caroline'
Annual
Height: 3'-4'
Spread: 3'-4'
Variegated, deep purple and green foliage.
Little Kitten Grass Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Kitten'
Perennial
Height: 3'
Spread: 1'- 1.5'
Green, narrow leaves that turn golden in the fall with cream flower spikes.
Maiden Dixieland Grass Miscanthus sinensis 'Dixieland'
Perennial
Height: 4'-5'
Spread: 3'-4'
Variegated, green and white foliage.
Zebra Grass Miscanthus sinensis
Perennial
Height: 3'-4'
Spread: 2'-3'
Variegated, green and yellow foliage.
Pampas Grass Saccharum ravennae
Perennial
Height: 8' - 10'
Spread: 4' - 6'
Green foliage with cream plumes in the fall.
Do you have a shade garden and still want ornamental grasses? Look for these ornamental grass imposters. Mondo (Monkey) grass or Liriope (Lilyturf) are clump-forming perennials that have a grass like appearance. They are great options for shady borders.
