Introduction to Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses are valuable additions to any landscape, yet they don’t always receive the recognition they deserve. These plants add movement and interest to the garden, rustling in the breeze and producing plumes of flowers that last through winter. Not only are they visually appealing, but they also serve functional purposes such as privacy screens, borders, and even wildlife habitats. These grasses are adaptable, deer-resistant, and low-maintenance, making them an ideal choice for any garden. Whether you’re aiming to enhance a particular landscape feature or simply want to add texture and contrast, these ornamental grasses are well-regarded by Great Garden Plants horticulturists.
What Are Ornamental Grasses?
Ornamental grasses aren’t necessarily true grasses; they include a variety of perennial plants that resemble grass, such as sedges (Carex) and rushes (Juncus). The distinguishing features are remembered with the saying: “sedges have edges, rushes are round, and grasses have nodes from top to the ground”. While these plants share a similar structure and visual appeal, they have different growing conditions and tolerances. Sedges are particularly adaptable to shaded and moist conditions, making them suitable for wet-shaded sites. Rushes thrive in wet, boggy environments and are great for rain gardens. True grasses like Miscanthus, Festuca, and Calamagrostis prefer full sun and well-drained soils, producing striking flower spikes and seed heads in late summer.
Ornamental Grasses for Full Sun
These grasses thrive in sunny environments with 8+ hours of sunlight per day. They are generally heat and drought-tolerant, making them perfect for landscapes in USDA growing zones 4 through 9. Here are some top picks:
‘Karl Foerster’ Feather Reed Grass
This classic grass is easy to grow and serves as an excellent privacy screen. It grows quickly and produces tall, upright flower spikes that are long-lasting.
‘Hameln’ Fountain Grass
Not only does ‘Hameln’ fountain grass tolerate drought, but it is also adaptable to a wide range of soils. Its fluffy white plumes add a soft, feathery texture to the landscape.
Prairie Dropseed
A native perennial that offers graceful, wispy plumes in the summer. Its fine texture and adaptability make it ideal for mass plantings.
Ornamental Grasses for Shade
While many ornamental grasses prefer full sun, there are excellent options for shady spots that receive less than 4 hours of sunlight per day. These grasses add style and texture to shaded areas:
‘Evergold’ Sedge
With its fine texture and green/golden hues, this sedge is perfect for adding interest to rocky slopes and shaded garden beds. It remains evergreen in warmer climates.
‘Blue Zinger’ Sedge
This shade-loving sedge features cool-toned blue foliage that thrives in challenging sites, such as between rocks or mixed with other plants.
Tall Ornamental Grasses
These grasses provide height and privacy. They grow rapidly, with some reaching up to 5 feet tall in the first growing season, ensuring you get quick results:
‘Gracillimus’ Maiden Grass
This deer-resistant grass is durable and drought-tolerant. It’s ideal for creating borders or privacy hedges and provides a lasting texture.
‘Strictus’ Maiden Grass
With variegated foliage that stands up to 6 feet tall, this grass features beautiful red-bronze flowers in fall, adding color and visual interest to the garden.
Ornamental Grasses for Color
These grasses add a pop of color to the garden, perfect for creating a vibrant focal point or backdrop to perennial flower gardens:
Pink Muhly Grass
The soft pink plumes resemble cotton candy and turn into soft beige and tan hues in winter. This tough grass is adaptable and can also be used in cut flower arrangements.
Prairie Winds® ‘Blue Paradise’ Bluestem Grass
This grass provides year-round color with its silvery-blue foliage, making it an attractive addition to any garden throughout the seasons.
‘Karley Rose’ Fountain Grass
Soft pink plumes sway gracefully in the breeze, adding a romantic feel to the garden. Once established, it’s drought-resistant and easy to care for.
