6 Uses for Ornamental Grass

 

Late summer and fall are when many ornamental grasses really begin to put on a show. With beautiful plumes, interesting foliage, and plenty of movement, this is a great time to see them at their best and choose your favorites for the landscape.

 

 
 

6 Reasons to Use Ornamental Grasses

 

1. They Add Movement

Ornamental grasses bring something special to the landscape—their graceful blades and plumes sway in the breeze, adding movement and softness to garden beds.

 

2. They Work in Small Spaces, Too

Not all ornamental grasses are huge! Dwarf and compact varieties can be used in landscape beds, along borders, or even as accents in larger mixed containers.

 

3. Larger Varieties Make Great Screens & Accents

Larger ornamental grasses can make a dramatic statement in the landscape. Depending on the variety, they can be used as accent plants or grouped together to create screening along fence lines, driveways, and large entrance areas.

Always check the mature height and width before planting so your grass has plenty of room to reach its natural size.

 

4. They Provide Late-Season Interest

Many ornamental grasses produce their showiest plumes in late summer and fall, adding color, texture, and interest at a time when some other plants are beginning to finish their blooming season.

 

5. Many Are Drought Tolerant Once Established

Once they have developed a healthy root system, many ornamental grasses are relatively drought tolerant and require less supplemental watering than some traditional landscape plants.

Water needs vary by species and growing conditions, so newly planted grasses should still be watered regularly while they become established.

 

6. They Add Incredible Texture

Their upright, arching, or mounding growth habits add a completely different shape and texture to the landscape. Depending on the variety, foliage may be green, blue-green, striped, variegated, or even change color throughout the season.

 
 

Give Ornamental Grasses a Try!

 

Whether you need a dramatic focal point, a little movement in a flower bed, a low-maintenance border, or something tall to help fill a large space, there’s an ornamental grass for almost every landscape style.

Late summer and fall are especially fun times to shop for them because you can see those beautiful plumes and mature foliage on display!