Whether we realize it or not, grasses are a huge part of our daily lives. The first grass to be used as an ornamental was Job’s Tears. It was grown in monastery gardens during the 14th century and the seeds used for rosary beads. Members of the family Poaceae cover the earth in fields and rice paddies. Recently, there has been an increase in interest in prairie grasses as ornamentals and as part of prairie restoration projects. Much of the North American prairie has been converted to farmland. In order to preserve the native grass species, the conservation and restoration of prairies is important. Grasses come in a variety of color and textures and inhabit a wide range of growing conditions.
Caring for ornamental grasses – what some might call “weeds” – is relatively easy. You can start out with either ornamental grass seed or starter plants. Common ornamental grasses are quaking grass, bunny tails and switch grass.
Decide where to grow the ornamental grass. These grasses generally thrive in a garden spot that gets at least 6 hours of sun a day. Till the area you’ve selected, but don’t over-cultivate. You won’t have to fertilize much since ornamental grasses don’t need much. A rule of thumb is to apply a good organic fertilizer a week or two before planting.
If you’re using starter plants, plant them as soon as possible after you’ve bought them. The quicker they get into the ground (or larger container), the better they will thrive. Make your hole for planting twice the size of the root ball. Water as needed. Most grasses like lots of water to remain healthy and to keep their color.
Mulch your ornamental grass to prevent weeds, moisture loss and to help over-winter the grasses. Fertilize once a year after the initial application. For the best results, plant in the spring. If you plant in the fall, you’ll need to mulch really well as winter arrives to protect tender grasses from freezing.
Be aware that all grass types spread and can easily take over a garden if you don’t keep an eye on it. Ornamental grasses do really well in containers and you may want to consider this to keep it from spreading to a manicured lawn or to your neighbor’s yard.
Growing ornamental grasses in containers is a great way to feature grasses without having them branch out and take over. And – if you plant them in the ground – they will. Container grown grasses are also easier to divide and they just LOOK so cool.
According to Marie Iannotti, ornamental grass specialist, the top ten picks for ornamental grasses in containers are:
Blue Lyme Grass – Imposing sword shaped leaves that bend as they grow tall and spiky flower heads.
Blue Oat Grass – Bring a cooling blue-gray to your garden, a lovely rustling sound in the breeze and a very nice texture.
Red Fountain Grass – Filling the pot with it’s arching habit, the rich burgundy colored “Rubrum” has made it a favorite even in those zones where it can only be grown as an annual.
Japanese Forest Grass (Hakone) – Once you see Hakone grass, you’re going to want it. Just about everyone does. If you don’t have the moist, partially shaded conditions it thrives in, definitely grow it in a pot.
Bamboo Muhly – This is a Southwest native. It gets its name from its notched stems and feathery foliage. It thrives in the sun and heat and can take a bit of neglect in a container.
Feather Reed Grass – Has tall flower plumes that are eye-catching as a focal point – perhaps on your patio – when grown in a container. Although feather reed grass needs a bit of protection from the hot sun, it does well in containers over winter.
Leather Leaf Sedge – Sedges don’t get the attention they deserve. Grown in containers, their bronze tinged leaves gleam in the sun while the blades pick up the slightest of breezes.
Japanese Silver Grass – This is one of the most popular ornamentals and does very well in containers. The airy growth habit of this grass has a softening effect and the white of the leaf edges really pops. It is also available in a variegated variety.
Japanese Sweet Flag – Sometimes a container calls for something short. At around a foot in height, Sweet flag adds color and it’s lovely sweet scent. Likes more water and some shade when it’s grown in a container.
New Zealand Flax – For spiky form and lots of colors, these are the most versatile container grass-like plant there is. Color range includes greens, reds, coppers and golds. Very attractive.
Caring for ornamental grasses – what some might call “weeds” – is relatively easy. You can start out with either ornamental grass seed or starter plants. Common ornamental grasses are quaking grass, bunny tails and switch grass.
Decide where to grow the ornamental grass. These grasses generally thrive in a garden spot that gets at least 6 hours of sun a day. Till the area you’ve selected, but don’t over-cultivate. You won’t have to fertilize much since ornamental grasses don’t need much. A rule of thumb is to apply a good organic fertilizer a week or two before planting.
If you’re using starter plants, plant them as soon as possible after you’ve bought them. The quicker they get into the ground (or larger container), the better they will thrive. Make your hole for planting twice the size of the root ball. Water as needed. Most grasses like lots of water to remain healthy and to keep their color.
Mulch your ornamental grass to prevent weeds, moisture loss and to help over-winter the grasses. Fertilize once a year after the initial application. For the best results, plant in the spring. If you plant in the fall, you’ll need to mulch really well as winter arrives to protect tender grasses from freezing.
Be aware that all grass types spread and can easily take over a garden if you don’t keep an eye on it. Ornamental grasses do really well in containers and you may want to consider this to keep it from spreading to a manicured lawn or to your neighbor’s yard.
Growing ornamental grasses in containers is a great way to feature grasses without having them branch out and take over. And – if you plant them in the ground – they will. Container grown grasses are also easier to divide and they just LOOK so cool.
According to Marie Iannotti, ornamental grass specialist, the top ten picks for ornamental grasses in containers are:
Blue Lyme Grass – Imposing sword shaped leaves that bend as they grow tall and spiky flower heads.
Blue Oat Grass – Bring a cooling blue-gray to your garden, a lovely rustling sound in the breeze and a very nice texture.
Red Fountain Grass – Filling the pot with it’s arching habit, the rich burgundy colored “Rubrum” has made it a favorite even in those zones where it can only be grown as an annual.
Japanese Forest Grass (Hakone) – Once you see Hakone grass, you’re going to want it. Just about everyone does. If you don’t have the moist, partially shaded conditions it thrives in, definitely grow it in a pot.
Bamboo Muhly – This is a Southwest native. It gets its name from its notched stems and feathery foliage. It thrives in the sun and heat and can take a bit of neglect in a container.
Feather Reed Grass – Has tall flower plumes that are eye-catching as a focal point – perhaps on your patio – when grown in a container. Although feather reed grass needs a bit of protection from the hot sun, it does well in containers over winter.
Leather Leaf Sedge – Sedges don’t get the attention they deserve. Grown in containers, their bronze tinged leaves gleam in the sun while the blades pick up the slightest of breezes.
Japanese Silver Grass – This is one of the most popular ornamentals and does very well in containers. The airy growth habit of this grass has a softening effect and the white of the leaf edges really pops. It is also available in a variegated variety.
Japanese Sweet Flag – Sometimes a container calls for something short. At around a foot in height, Sweet flag adds color and it’s lovely sweet scent. Likes more water and some shade when it’s grown in a container.
New Zealand Flax – For spiky form and lots of colors, these are the most versatile container grass-like plant there is. Color range includes greens, reds, coppers and golds. Very attractive.
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