Ornamental grasses are a great addition to any landscape. The plants are low maintenance and provide year-round interest. Several types are available, ranging in size, color, and shape. Short sedge grass works well as a groundcover or in flower pots, whereas tall maiden grass provides height to a landscape and can be used as a privacy screen. There is an ornamental grass for every application and several colors to choose from including pink, red, blue, and purple.
When xeriscaping, you can add plenty of interest with varied textures and heights by including a few ornamental grasses in your landscape. We’re always tempted to think first about flower color, but less about interesting foliage. Placing a few ornamental grasses in a xeric landscape or container can add nearly as much impact as a pop of purple with less watering and maintenance.
Choose an ornamental grass that is native to your area, or a similar climate or condition, in place of a shrub or perennial flower. One of our favorite features of grasses is that they can grow tall and move in the wind. In containers, they often add height or contrast to draping and flowering annuals. Warm-season grasses seed out and provide winter interest, even if the foliage browns. If you choose one that’s not native to your area make sure it can at least survive with less water or other conditions that differ.
Another benefit of ornamental grasses is that they can serve practical purposes in a garden. Use them for erosion control by placing a small grouping at the bottom of a slope or terrace – and go for a medium-water selection such as Feather reed grass “Karl Foerster” (Calamagrostis arundinacea), since the rain or irrigation run-off from above supplies the extra water the plant requires.
Other great locations for grasses are along steps, pathways or corners, in front of dark walls or fences, and anywhere they will catch sunlight and breezes.
Sedges, rushes, papyrus and some hardy bamboos also fall into the ornamental grass category when landscaping. Just be sure to check the zone, native location of the plant, and especially the sun and water requirements before planting the grass. Some actually do better in marshes – not a good choice for xeriscaping!
It's so easy to complement a low-water grass with a salvia, penstemon or gayfeather.
About Ornamental Grasses
Genus
Carex
Species
2000+
Family
Cyperaceae
Common Names:
Sedges
Native To:
Worldwide
Plant Type:
Ornamental Grasses
Foliage Type:
Herbaceous
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
3 - 9
Flower Color:
N/A
Flower Bloom Time:
Spring, Summer
Growth Habit:
Clumping, Spreading
Attracts:
Butterflies, Small Mammals, Songbirds
Tolerates
Drought, Heat, Humidity, Poor soil
Resists:
Deer
How To Use Ornamental Grasses In The Garden
These graceful plants supply interesting textures all year and ask for little more than a trim in late winter. Many transition through alluring color phases, moving from soft greens to rich golds, delivering a dynamic presence as the seasons progress. Their sturdy nature and deep roots deter pests and thrive through dry spells, easing up on maintenance duties. Plus, ornamental grasses can create welcoming habitat for birds and beneficial insects.
Place taller varieties as natural partitions for privacy, or let them flow en masse to simulate a gentle meadow effect. Employ their slender, vertical lines to visually connect different areas of a garden, or nestle shorter kinds near stones and companion perennials for a pleasing tapestry. Used as groundcover, grasses can stabilize soil and reduce erosion. In small spaces, pots offer a simple way to adorn patios and doorways with soft arches and feathery seed heads.
Ornamental Grasses Care
Ornamental grasses should be planted in well-draining soil, as they prefer not to sit in waterlogged conditions. While they are drought-tolerant once established, regular watering during the first growing season helps develop a strong root system. These grasses thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Fertilization is generally unnecessary; however, if growth appears sluggish, a light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring can be beneficial.
Pruning ornamental grasses involves cutting back the foliage to a few inches above the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. In colder climates, leaving the foliage intact over winter provides insulation and visual interest; prune in early spring instead. When growing in containers, select a pot with adequate drainage and choose a compact variety suitable for confined spaces. Regular watering is essential for container-grown grasses, as they dry out faster than those in the ground.
Pair ornamental grasses with perennials and shrubs that thrive in similar conditions—full sun and well-drained soil. These grasses add height and texture while enhancing fall foliage. Great companion plants include butterfly bush, false cypress, Japanese maples, coral bells, phlox, coneflower, and alyssum. For a cohesive look, choose color combinations that set the desired mood or theme. Perfect for garden beds or patio planters!
