How to Grow Container Ornamental Grass

Overview

With its tall slender appearance that elegantly sways in a delicate breeze, ornamental grass makes a beautiful container garden display. Ornamental grass comes in many varieties and is an alternative for gardeners with allergies to floral scents. Growing container ornamental grass offers numerous creative opportunities for display in any indoor room or outdoor patio or deck. Ornamental grass varieties can be mixed and matched in one container or different types can be grown in individual containers. Whatever your growing preference, an ornamental grass container garden is a colorful sight to enjoy year round and requires little maintenance in return.

Step 1

Choose a container with design or texture, like those made from terra cotta, copper, glass, wood, or brass. Ornamental grass is adaptable to any container environment, whether it is a small pot or a large planter. Also consider shape and the room style where your grass plant will be displayed. The container can be oblong, circular, triangular, a modern design or an antique vase or jar. Before purchasing a container, look around your home for an interesting piece. Containers need to be durable, rust proof and, if displaying outdoors, weather resistant. If there are no holes at the bottom of the container, drill some or add a layer of pebbles for drainage.

Step 2

Choose an ornamental grass variety from popular types such as pampas grass, tender fountain grass, maiden grass, blue fescue, purple majesty, silky threadgrass and zebra grass. Ornamental grass can be planted from seed or as a starter plant.

Step 3

Add soil to your container about 3/4 of the way to the top. Make a 4-inch hole in the dirt to drop in the seeds or to cover the roots of the starter plant. Space the seeds or plants about 1 to 2 feet apart. Fill in the holes and water well, soaking the soil.

Step 4

Maintain your ornamental grass container garden with a weekly watering or once the soil is dry to the touch. Be sure your grass plant is getting ample light. Ornamental grass thrives in a few hours of direct sun a day.

Step 5

Perform seasonal garden care in the spring by pruning the plant to promote new growth. If the plant is outgrowing its container, transplant it to a larger pot. Also check for pests, such as mites or aphids. If any are present, spray the leaves with a direct stream of water.