Ornamental Grasses for Structure and Interest

Ornamental Grasses for Structure and Interest

Ornamental grasses are becoming quite popular with garden designers. They add texture and interest to the garden, and when combined with a gentle breeze, the garden comes to life with sound and motion. The smaller, clump forming grasses are valued as accent plants, while the larger ornamental grasses such as Pampases are useful for their architectural stature, and combine well with evergreen shrubs to create a privacy screen.

The graceful, arching foliage of grasses display rich colors over a long season. Greens and blues are common in the summer, followed by rich, autumnal colors in fall and winter. Most have seedpods, flowerheads or plumes that dry well and last into winter. Leave the seedpods and plumes on the plants to add interest to the garden over winter, or cut them for long-lasting indoor arrangements.

Ornamental grasses need full sun and well-drained soil. They are a good choice for busy gardeners because they require little or no pruning, they are resistant to most insects, and they tolerate drought well. Deciduous grasses are cut back in mid- to late winter to make room for new growth.

More about using Ornamental Grasses:
Plans for An Elegant Border using Ornamental Grasses
A New Twist on Beds and Borders

A Few Favorites:

Festuca cinerea Blue Festuca Neat, blue foliage accents paths, rock gardens, beds. Needs watering only during drought. White plumes in midsummer. Multiplies rapidly. Try planting it with coreopsis. Height: 8-12 inches Width: 8-10 inches

Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus' Zebra Grass In midsummer, the foliage of this exotic-looking grass develops distinctive golden horizontal bands. In autumn, silvery white plumes that look great in dried arrangements appear and last up to two months. Use as an eye-catching accent or in a dramatic grouping. Height: 4-7 feet Width: 3-5 feet

Deschampsia caespitosa Northern Lights A delightful and unique ornamental grass--each narrow blade is variegated with gold. In spring, new leaves are tipped in pink then fade to creamy white. These graceful plants are perfect for smaller landscape areas or containers. Also lovely when planted in groups of three or more. Height: 12 inches Width: 12-15 inches

Pennisetum alopecuroides Fountain Grass This perennial grass grows quickly to its full height. Fine-textured foliage and greenish-white flower spikes that appear in mid to late summer mature to reddish and golden brown hues in the fall. Adds beauty to the late-season landscape! Height: 3-4 feet Width: 2-3 feet

Cortaderia selloana 'Rosea' Pink Pampas Grass Silken plumes in tropical pink adorn this spectacular, tall-growing Pampas Grass. Topped with fluffy 18-24" plumes in mid to late summer. Height: 6-8 feet Width: 3-6 feet Also available with white plumes

Ornamental Grass Collection This money-saving collection includes the decorative grasses listed below: - 3 Powder Blue Festuca - 3 Perennial Fountain Grass - 1 Zebra Grass - 1 Northern Lights Grass - 1 Pink Pampas - 1 White Pampas Grass