Ornamental Grasses

One of the largest, and perhaps most important, plant families in the world is the grass family. Grasses have provided food, shelter, and forage throughout history. We have added grasses to the landscape to create a naturalized effect and for their ornamental value. Ornamental grasses are nearly perfect plants, blending beautifully into the landscape. They offer a wide range of textures, shapes and color. They can be small groundcovers or tall specimens. Grasses are versatile, low maintenance perennials. Some varieties grow in dry infertile soil and some in the muddy shallows of a pond. They can be used in a formal setting or to create a natural sanctuary for birds.

Grasses grow or spread by above ground stems called stolons, underground stems called rhizomes, or divisions called tillers. The length of these stems determines the plant's habit. Long rhizomes or stolons are called running, creeping, or spreading grasses. They can be used to prevent erosion, as a groundcover, or to naturalize a large area. Some grasses have a clumping appearance and are called bunch grasses. They grow and mature where they were planted. Bunch grasses do not travel, but they do grow larger with maturity and need ample space.

Grasses can be planted in average garden soil. Loosen the root system gently by hand prior to planting. The root ball may need to be scored (cut) with a knife. Starting at the top of the root ball, make a cut about 1-1 1/2 inches deep and cut to the base of the root ball. Make the cuts in equal distance around the root ball. This will encourage the roots to grow out into the soil. Place so the crown of the plant is even with, or slightly higher than, ground level. Avoid planting the crown low. Water newly planted grasses thoroughly. Put down 2-3' of mulch to promote moisture retention, prevent weeds, and provide winter protection.

Warm season grasses emerge from their winter dormancy in late spring. They can be fertilized at this time with Osmocote or Plant-tone to promote growth. They quickly reach their mature height, and by mid-summer are at their full glory. Their blooms (inflorescence) emerge in late summer to early fall, and persist into winter.

Warm-season grasses are easy to maintain. Remove the old foliage in March, so the new foliage can emerge unchallenged. Cut the plant back to 3-10" above the ground, depending on the variety and maturity of the grass. Cut back with pruners, string trimmers or hedge trimmers. Leave the foliage over winter to provide interest in the landscape, a refuge for birds, and added protection for the crown of the plant.

Cool season grasses begin growth in the fall and flower into the spring. They are much smaller than their warmth loving cousins and grow best when temperatures are between 60° and 75° F. Cool season grasses can be fertilized in the fall for more vigorous growth. Shear them lightly in the spring to remove spent flower heads. Do not remove more than one-third of the foliage as they resent heavy shearing.