ORNAMENTAL GRASS

Ornamental grasses are becoming popular landscape plants in our area. They have distinctive foliage and add color and motion to any landscape. Grasses look best when combined with broad- leaved plants such as hydrangeas, Black-eyed Susan’s and giant hardy hibiscus, etc. Also, most grasses flower in the fall and therefore add color and contrast in winter. Grasses are easy to grow and need little care once they get established.

SOIL:

Most grasses will grow in any type of soil. Improvements with a soil amendment, i.e. compost, will make grasses respond with more vigor and growth.

LIGHT:

Most grasses prefer full sun. Some varieties tolerate shade better than others (see chart). Most will grow in light shade but will not get as large and may not get as large and may not flower as much as grass that has been planted in full sun.

SPACING:

A good rule of thumb is to plant grasses as far apart as they will grow tall. Example: Miscanthus Sinensis ‘Purpascens’ will grow 4 feet tall, so plant 4 feet apart.

DIVIDING/PRUNING

Most grasses will grow many years before they needed to be divided. Look for the center of the clump to die out before dividing. It is best to divide grasses in spring, just as new growth emerges. if grasses are not pruned back in fall, they will add color and texture to your winter landscape. Some varieties may flop over and break during wintertime, so be sure to prune them back before it occurs. Otherwise, it is best to prune grasses back to the ground in spring. Be sure to do this as early as possible, so that you do not cut new foliage.

 

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