Landscaping Information: Ornamental Grasses
![]() 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.
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…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.