Ornamental grasses

Introduction

There has been reluctance over the years to grow ornamental grasses in some garden situations, as it was thought that they were too invasive by root and by self-sown seed, but the selection of grasses available today from most nurseries do not have this undesirable quality. Ornamental grasses used alone as specimens make a definite statement and when used in mixed plantings, they combine very well with many herbaceous plants. They are not particularly fussy about soil as long as it is not like concrete hard and most will tolerate wet conditions as long as the roots are not standing in water all the time, but the same is true about the vast majority of ornamental plants. As part of a mixed prairie style border, some of the ornamental grasses really come into their own, not only for their own beauty but also by enhancing plants around them.

There are many species and varieties available today and one or two very good publications detailing planting schemes and care.

Key Points:

• Ornamental grasses are easy to care for and provided they are well watered in immediately after planting, they will be fine.
• Give a light sprinkling of Fish, Blood and Bone around the plant at planting time and lightly fork in.
• Cut down old foliage in late winter or early spring.
• Divide large clumps if desired, in spring only.
• Where possible plant in an open situation to achieve maximum light, most grasses are tolerant of light shade however.
• Grasses can grow in poorer soils better than many other garden plants.
• Grasses come in varying heights, forms and colours.
• Grass seed heads and foliage add autumn and winter interest to the garden.
• Dried grasses have many decorative uses indoors and out.
• Grasses are used for groundcover, specimen plants, for erosion control, and as vertical design elements.
• Grasses are virtually pest and disease free….hurrah!

Annual Grasses

Annual grasses complete their life cycle in one year, from germination of seed, growth and flowering followed by setting seed. Plant out when the risk of frost has passed, as they will not survive the winter, except by scattered seed that may germinate nearby in the new season as the ground warms up.

View list of annual grasses......

Perennial Grasses

Description

View list of perennial grasses......