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Ornamental grasses can be a versatile and visually striking addition to any landscape design. These plants offer a combination of texture, form, and height that transforms outdoor spaces. From towering miscanthus varieties to low-growing hakonechloa, ornamental grasses provide year-round interest and need minimal maintenance. In the video above and in this guide, Ask This Old House landscape contractor Jenn Nawada explores various ornamental grass types and shares expert tips on their care and placement.
Types of Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses come in a wide variety of species, each with its own distinct characteristics and growth habits. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right grass for your landscape needs.
Miscanthus
Miscanthus, also known as maiden grass, is a popular choice for adding vertical interest to gardens. These grasses typically grow in upright clumps and can reach impressive heights.
Miscanthus ‘Morning Light’
This variety features narrow leaves with white margins, creating a silvery appearance. It grows in a fountain-like shape, reaching heights of 4 to 6 feet. In late summer, it produces feathery plumes that add an extra layer of visual interest.
Miscanthus ‘Adagio’
‘Adagio’ is a more compact variety, growing to about 3 to 4 feet tall. It has a graceful, arching habit and produces silvery-pink plumes in the fall. This variety is particularly well-suited for smaller gardens or as a mid-border plant.
Switchgrass (Panicum Virgatum)
Switchgrass is a native North American grass known for its upright growth habit and airy seed heads. It’s an excellent choice for naturalistic plantings and prairie-style gardens.
Panicum Virgatum ‘Purple Tears’
This variety grows to about 3 to 4 feet tall and features bluish-green foliage that turns golden in the fall. Its most striking feature is the purple-tinged seed heads that appear in late summer, adding a splash of color to the garden.
Hakonechloa (Japanese Forest Grass)
Hakonechloa is a shade-loving ornamental grass that adds elegance to woodland gardens and shaded areas.
Hakonechloa Macra ‘Aureola’
This low-growing variety reaches about 12 to 15 inches in height and features striking gold and green variegated foliage. It has a cascading growth habit that creates a waterfall effect, making it perfect for edging or container plantings.
More Ornamental Grass Varieties To Consider
In addition to miscanthus, switchgrass, and hakonechloa, several other ornamental grasses can enhance your landscape:
Pennisetum (Fountain Grass)
Popular for its arching leaves and fluffy seed heads, pennisetum adds a soft texture to garden beds and borders. Varieties like ‘Hameln’ grow to 2–3 feet and feature dark green foliage with creamy white flower spikes.
Carex (Sedge)
Often mistaken for grasses, sedges thrive in both sun and shade, offering a versatile addition to many garden styles. Varieties such as ‘Ice Dance’ feature arching green leaves with white margins.
Festuca (Fescue)
Known for its fine texture and blue-green color, fescue is ideal for ground cover and edging. Varieties like ‘Elijah Blue’ are particularly striking with their tufted, icy-blue foliage.
Consider Your Garden’s Style
When selecting ornamental grasses, think about your garden’s overall style. For a contemporary look, choose grasses with clean lines and bold shapes, like calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster. ‘ If your style is more naturalistic, opt for grasses with a relaxed, flowing habit, such as deschampsia cespitosa (tufted hair grass).
Benefits of Ornamental Grasses
Incorporating ornamental grasses into your landscape design offers numerous advantages:
- Low maintenance requirements
- Drought tolerance once established
- Year-round visual interest
- Attractive movement and sound in the breeze
- Habitat and food source for wildlife
- Erosion control on slopes
Planting and Care of Ornamental Grasses
Proper planting and care are essential for the health and longevity of ornamental grasses. Follow these guidelines to ensure your grasses thrive.
Planting
Choose a location with the right amount of sunlight for your chosen grass variety. Prepare the soil by loosening it and incorporating organic matter. Then, dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and at the same depth.
Place the plant in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant, keeping it away from the stems.
Watering
Most ornamental grasses are drought-tolerant once established. However, they benefit from regular watering during their first growing season. Water deeply and less often to encourage deep root growth.
Fertilizing
Ornamental grasses generally don’t require much fertilization. A light application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring is usually sufficient.
Pruning and Maintenance
Proper pruning helps maintain the health and appearance of ornamental grasses. Nawada recommends cutting back ornamental grass in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Here’s how to do it:
- Gather the grass stems together and secure them with twine.
- Use sharp pruning shears or hedge trimmers to cut the grass back to about 2 inches above ground level.
- Remove the cut foliage and dispose of it or add it to your compost pile.
- Rake away any remaining debris from around the base of the plant.
Dividing and Transplanting
Many ornamental grasses benefit from occasional division to prevent overcrowding and rejuvenate growth. Divide grasses in early spring or late summer:
- Dig up the entire clump of grass.
- Use a sharp spade or knife to cut the clump into smaller sections, each with its own roots.
- Replant the divisions at the same depth as the original clump and water thoroughly.
Companion Plants for Ornamental Grasses
Pairing ornamental grasses with complementary plants can create stunning garden compositions. Consider these combinations that Jenn recommends:
- Switchgrass with black-eyed Susans and coneflowers for a prairie-inspired look
- Hakonechloa with hostas and ferns in shaded areas
- Miscanthus with late-blooming perennials such as asters and sedums
- Shorter grasses as a foreground for taller shrubs or small trees
- Fountain grass with coreopsis and daylilies for bright, sunny spots
Common Issues and Solutions for Backyard Ornamental Grasses
While ornamental grasses are generally low-maintenance, they can sometimes face problems. Here are some common issues and how to address them:
Flopping or Splitting
- Cause: Overly rich soil or too much shade
- Solution: Divide the plant, relocate to a sunnier spot, or provide support with stakes
Browning Leaves
- Cause: Drought stress or overwatering
- Solution: Adjust watering practices and ensure proper drainage
Slow Growth or Lack of Flowering
- Cause: Insufficient sunlight or nutrients
- Solution: Move to a sunnier location or apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
Pest and Disease Issues
Ornamental grasses are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but occasional problems may arise:
- Aphids: Spray with water or use insecticidal soap
- Rust: Ensure good air circulation and remove affected leaves
- Root rot: Improve drainage and avoid overwatering
Our Conclusion
Ornamental grasses are a valuable addition to any landscape, offering beauty, texture, and movement with minimal care requirements. By selecting the right varieties for your space and following proper planting and maintenance techniques, you can enjoy these versatile plants for years to come. Whether used as focal points, background plantings, or in mixed borders, ornamental grasses bring a touch of natural elegance to gardens of all styles.
Resources
Nawada discussed a variety of ornamental grasses, including miscanthus ‘Morning Light,’ miscanthus ‘Adagio,’ panium vergatum ‘Purple Tears,’ and hakonechloa ‘Japanese forest grass.’ These can be found at some home centers and most nurseries.
Expert assistance with this segment was provided by Stonegate Gardens.
