Ornamental Grass
Ornamental grasses add movement, texture, and year-round interest to gardens. These versatile green plants come in various heights, colors, and growth habits, making them perfect for modern landscape designs.
Ornamental Grass Care Guide
Environment
Most ornamental grasses thrive in full sun with well-draining soil, though some varieties tolerate partial shade. They adapt to various soil types, from rich loam to poor sandy soil.
Light
Most varieties prefer full sun (6+ hours daily). Variegated types may benefit from afternoon shade in hot climates. Too much shade causes floppy growth and reduces the distinctive coloration.
Temperature
Hardy varieties available for USDA zones 3-10, depending on species. Choose varieties suited to your climate zone.
Watering
Water deeply but infrequently during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, most ornamental grasses are drought-tolerant and require minimal supplemental watering except during prolonged dry periods.
Humidity
Adapts to various humidity levels. Most varieties prefer good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Fertilizing
Minimal fertilizer needed. Apply a light application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Over-fertilizing promotes floppy growth and can reduce winter hardiness.
Care Tips
- Space plants according to mature size, allowing room for their distinctive form to be appreciated.
- Leave dried foliage and seed heads standing through winter for visual interest and wildlife value.
- Cut back cool-season grasses in early spring before new growth begins.
- Cut back warm-season grasses in late winter to early spring before new growth emerges.
Common Problems
- Flopping or falling over may indicate too much shade, over-fertilization, or overwatering.
- Rust appears as orange-brown pustules on leaves and is more common in wet conditions.
- Center die-out occurs in older clumps and signals the need for division.
- Invasive spreading can be an issue with some species - choose clump-forming varieties for contained gardens.
Seasonal Care
Spring
Cut back previous year's growth before new growth emerges. Apply light fertilizer.
Summer
Water during prolonged dry periods. Many varieties develop attractive seed heads.
Fall
Many varieties take on spectacular fall coloration. Reduce watering as temperatures cool.
Winter
Leave dried foliage standing for winter interest and wildlife habitat. Cut back before new growth in late winter to early spring.