Ornamental grasses – planting and care

Ornamental grasses rarely take center stage, but few plants can elevate a garden’s overall impression quite like they do. Depending on the variety you choose, they can enhance a romantic atmosphere or bring structure to a sleek, modern garden. They can stand alone as striking focal points, or serve as a beautiful backdrop for perennials. Maybe a soft pink variety that rustles gently in the summer breeze suits your style, or perhaps a bold, dark green clump?

Ornamental grasses are excellent for adding shape and structure to your garden, and they shine even among more vivid plants. They’re especially beautiful along gravel paths, rocky areas, and near water features. One of their most charming qualities is how they remain beautiful even after the frost sets in.

Today, there are ornamental grasses for just about every type of environment—some that thrive in dry conditions and others that love moisture. Some varieties are annuals, while others are perennials. They can look wildly different from one another, ranging in height from around 20 centimeters to several meters tall. Green, pink, white, silvery, soft or bold—the variety is endless.

When choosing a type of grass, it’s best to start by considering the growing conditions where it will be planted. Also think about the impression you want the grass to make. By mixing different varieties and pairing them with flowers, you can create striking contrasts. A delicate ornamental grass can beautifully complement denser plants like roses and stonecrop. Ornamental grasses also pair well with summer flowers and perennials such as geraniums and catmint.

• Chinese silver grass (Miscanthus)
  There are around 20 species of Miscanthus, including the well-known Silk Miscanthus. Most are easy to care for and quite hardy. They thrive best in full sun and nutrient-rich soil, though many varieties also do well in partial shade. The largest is Elephant Grass (Miscanthus × giganteus), which can grow up to three meters tall.
• Reed grass
  A group of upright grasses that often hybridize naturally. These grasses are appreciated for their vertical shape and elegant appearance.
• Sedge (Carex)
  This group includes many species, including several wild varieties. Their characteristics vary—Frost Sedge, for instance, forms dense green mounds, while Japanese Sedge works well as ground cover.
• Feather reed grass (Calamagrostis)
  This ornamental grass forms clumps that typically reach 80–100 cm in height. It often provides a lovely structure to garden beds and blends well with perennials and flowering plants.

Early summer is the best time to plant ornamental grasses, but potted plants can also be planted later in the season—as long as they have time to establish themselves before winter arrives. Be careful not to plant the grass deeper in the ground than it was in the pot, and pay close attention to watering. It’s especially important that ornamental grass doesn’t dry out during the establishment phase.

Planting ornamental grasses in pots works really well, which means you can enjoy them on balconies and terraces too. Ornamental grasses can be useful for creating shelter from the wind and for providing privacy. Use a large, frost-proof pot with drainage holes, and add a layer of leca balls at the bottom for better drainage. When autumn arrives, move the pot closer to a wall or sheltered spot to protect the plant from getting too wet—this increases its chances of surviving the winter. Once the roots reach the edges of the pot, it’s time to repot into a larger container.

That ornamental grasses remain beautiful even after the frost has touched them is a particularly lovely quality.

Ornamental grasses thrive in light, well-drained soil. They benefit from a bit of fertilizer in the spring, especially during the first few years, but require very little care after that. Pruning should be done early in the spring—cutting in the fall can allow water to seep into the stems. Leaving the foliage over winter helps protect the plant from the cold.

When ornamental grass is cut back in spring, it can make room for spring bulbs—and once the grass starts to grow, it can hide the bulbs’ fading leaves. A perfect combination. When it comes to watering, it’s better to give the grass a good soak now and then rather than frequent light watering. Be especially attentive with watering during the first year, and you’ll soon have a strong, thriving plant.

Once the plant gets large, you can divide it to make more. Use a sharp spade to split the clump—this is easiest to do in spring, before the grass gets too tall.

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