The popularity of ornamental grasses as garden plants fell sharply after the Victorian era, but is seeing a revival now.  If not for the insight and perseverance of talented nurserymen such as Karl Foerster, Wolfgang Oehme and Kurt Bluemel, the opportunity to rediscover the unique beauty and presence of these plants may have been lost.

Being pest-free and maintenance-free are just two of the many admirable traits grasses have to offer.  Their season is long, extending from spring through late winter.  Many sport interesting variegations or coloring to blend or contrast with a variety of flowering plants and shrubs.  In autumn, their color mellows beautifully; a wonderful foil to the more somber shades of winter evergreens.  Size varies from 8 inches to over 12 feet—smaller specimens fit neatly into rockeries or containers, while larger grasses make excellent screens, windbreaks or striking accent points in a lawn or border.  It is best to plant ornamental grasses where the wind can move through them as movement and sound will add a new dimension and interest to your garden.

Ornamental grasses fall into one of two categories—cool season and warm season.  Cool season grasses produce new growth about the same time as bulbs and peonies, while warm season grasses tend to wait until more settled warmer weather begins. Take advantage of these traits to complement spring flowers or hide dying bulb foliage. 

Most grasses enjoy full sun, but are adaptable to light shade.  Soil should be reasonably fertile with organic matter and slow-release fertilizer added when planting.  Water consistently during the first season to establish healthy growth and add 1 –2” of mulch to conserve moisture around the roots.  Once established, grasses require less moisture and minimal feeding, making them ideal for xeriscape plantings.  Spacing should be equal to their height at maturity, which is usually reached during their second or third season.  Cut the old foliage back to 2 – 6 “ in late winter or early spring.

We are consistently looking for a variety of grasses for our Phelan Garden’s customers, so call or stop by to see our selection this season.  Some examples of ornamental grasses we have offered in the past include:

Cool Season

• Calamagrostis arundinacea “Karl Foerster”  (Feather Read Grass)—an early bloomer; upright; very decorative with long lasting panicles; yellow cream in winter; 5 – 6 feet

• Festuca glauca  (Blue Fescue) – mound forming; blue green; early summer flowering; good companion for gray or purple foliage and spring bulbs; 8 – 12 inches

• Phalaris arundinacea picta (Ribbon Grass) – creeping rhizomes; very aggressive; variegated green / white foliage; may go brown in hot weather; unsuitable for rock gardens; 1 – 2 feet

Warm Season

• Erianthus ravennae  (Ravenna Grass) – blooms late summer; vase shape; silver / green leaves with silver / purple panicles; excellent specimen grass; 6 – 12 feet

• Lagarus ovatus (Hare’s Tail Grass) – annual; soft green with buff seed heads; dries well; 18 inches

• Miscanthus sinensis “Graziella”  (Japanese Silver Grass) – upright with arching form; flowers in August; fades to pale almond in winter; good contrast to evergreens; 5 – 6 feet

• Miscanthus sinensis strictus  (Porcupine Grass) – upright; strong yellow bands on leaves; flowers late summer; very showy; complement with yellow flowers or foliage; 6 – 7 feet

• Pennisetum alopecuroides “Hameln”  (Dwarf Fountain Grass) – compact cascading variety; buff panicles in late summer turning almond color in winter; good border plant; 3 – 4 feet

• Pennisetum setaceus “Rubrum”  (Red Fountain Grass) – grown as annual in Colorado; exceptional rose color in foliage and flower; summer blooming; excellent in containers or as mass plantings; take cuttings in late summer to root for next year; 2 – 4 feet

For any questions you have on this article, or any topic of concern, email us—or better yet, come by and talk to one of our professional staff members.  Remember, Phelan Gardens is open year-round! 

For additional information, check the following link:

• Ornamental Grasses