Landscaping Information: Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses, just as the name implies, are types of grass used for ornament in the landscape. These free flowing plants add height and movement to a planting bed. They act as a focal point, hide unsightly utility boxes, or soften corners of the house. These valuable landscape plants give a show from early summer through late winter. Contrasting with most plants because of their wispy personalities, ornamental grasses complement other plants without even trying. Don’t wait, try one or more of these striking plants in your landscape today! MISCANTHUS A superb group of grasses, versatile both as specimens or in mass plantings. These cultivars are some of the most desirable ornamental grasses grown today. All are clumping varieties that bloom in the fall and hold their shape throughout winter. These grasses add vertical height, movement, and drama to the landscape. Chose one or several following varieties of this ‘must have’ group of grasses. The following are varieties of Miscanthus Grass. NATIVE GRASSES Nebraska is home to what was once some of the world’s greatest grassland, The Prairie. Pioneers used the grass in many ways: building, cooking, heating, bedding & feed for animals. However, use and misuse over the years have resulted in wind & water  erosion. Due to modern conservation methods, much of the land today has been seeded back to these vital native grasses. Why  not re-introduce some of these native species into your home landscape creating a naturalistic setting in your own back yard. The  following are varieties of Native Grasses

…a bit about Care

Though virtually carefree, there are a few notes to heed about  ornamental grasses. However, “a bit” is all there is to know!

PLANTING

Ornamental grasses have a deep root system and prefer moist, well drained soil.

MULCHING

As with most plants, ornamental grasses benefit greatly from mulch. Not only will this keep soil temperature steady, keep weeds down, and provide essential nutrients to the soil, mulching also protects the grass during the winter and serves as an attractive backdrop while grasses are growing and filling in.

Apply a 2-3” layer of shredded mulch to the newly planted grass.

WATERING

Water newly planted grasses immediately. On a hot day, young grasses improperly watered can die in less than an hour.

Established ornamental grasses need little or no supplemental irrigation, except in severe cases of drought. Even then, if left unwatered, grasses will pull through with little damage.

PRUNING

Most importantly, healthy, strong ornamental grasses rely on a yearly pruning. In mid– to late-March, cut the grasses to the ground, leaving only 1-2” of stubble. This timing allows you to enjoy the glories of winter foliage.

Strategically place daffodils, crocus, tulips or hyacinth around the grass in the fall. When the grasses are cut back in the spring, these spring beauties will hide the dormant grass stubble.