Ornamental grasses are a versatile and attractive addition to any garden. They add texture, color, and movement, making them an excellent choice for creating a visually appealing landscape.
In this article I explore 20 attractive ornamental grasses that can enhance your garden’s beauty. Whether you’re looking for perennial ornamental grasses or red tall grasses for privacy, there’s something for everyone.
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1. Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis acutiflora)
Feather Reed Grass is a popular choice among ornamental grass plants for its upright growth and feathery plumes.
It’s a perennial ornamental grass that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Ideal for borders and screens, it can reach up to 5 feet in height, making it perfect for privacy.
2. Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides)
Fountain Grass is known for its arching foliage and bottlebrush-like flower spikes. This ornamental grass is great for adding texture and is a favorite among grasses ornamental enthusiasts.
It’s a perennial that prefers full sun and can grow up to 4 feet tall.
3. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
Switchgrass is a native ornamental grass that provides year-round interest. It’s a perennial that grows in a variety of soil types and can reach heights of 3 to 6 feet.
Switchgrass is an excellent choice for tall grass plants for privacy.
4. Blue Oat Grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens)
Blue Oat Grass is a stunning ornamental grass with blue-gray foliage that adds a cool tone to your garden. This perennial ornamental grass is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil.
It can grow up to 3 feet tall and is perfect for borders.
5. Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra)
Japanese Forest Grass is a shade-loving ornamental grass that adds a soft, cascading effect to your garden. I
t’s a perennial that thrives in moist, well-drained soil and can grow up to 18 inches tall. This grass is ideal for adding texture to shaded areas.
6. Zebra Grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’)
Zebra Grass is a striking ornamental grass with horizontal yellow stripes on its green leaves. It’s a perennial that can grow up to 7 feet tall, making it an excellent choice for tall ornamental grasses for privacy.
7. Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’)
Purple Fountain Grass is a vibrant ornamental grass with deep burgundy foliage and pinkish-purple flower spikes. This perennial is perfect for adding color to your garden and can grow up to 4 feet tall.
8. Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis)
Maiden Grass is a popular ornamental grass known for its tall, graceful plumes. This perennial can reach heights of 6 to 8 feet, making it ideal for landscaping tall grass plants and privacy.
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9. Mexican Feather Grass (Stipa tenuissima)
Mexican Feather Grass is a delicate ornamental grass with fine, wispy foliage. It’s a perennial that adds a soft, flowing texture to your garden.
This grass grows up to 2 feet tall and is perfect for adding movement to your landscape.
10. Giant Reed (Arundo donax)
Giant Reed is a towering ornamental grass that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It’s an excellent choice for creating privacy and adding a dramatic effect to your garden. This perennial prefers full sun and moist soil.
11. Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana)
Pampas Grass is a majestic ornamental grass with large, feathery plumes. The grass can grow up to 10 feet tall, making it an excellent choice for tall grasses for privacy.
12. Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans)
Indian Grass is a native ornamental grass that adds a touch of gold to your garden in the fall. The grass can grow up to 6 feet tall and is perfect for adding vertical interest to your landscape.
13. Sedge Grass (Carex spp.)
Sedge Grass is a versatile ornamental grass with a wide range of colors and textures. This perennial is great for adding texture to your garden and can thrive in both sun and shade.
14. Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
Little Bluestem is a native ornamental grass known for its blue-green foliage and reddish-orange fall color. This perennial can grow up to 3 feet tall and is perfect for adding color to your garden.
15. Miscanthus (Miscanthus spp.)
Miscanthus is a group of ornamental grasses known for their tall, feathery plumes. These perennial grasses can grow up to 10 feet tall and are perfect for privacy screens and adding vertical interest to your garden.
16. Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca)
Blue Fescue is a compact ornamental grass with striking blue foliage. The grass is perfect for borders and rock gardens. It grows up to 12 inches tall and adds a pop of color to your landscape.
17. Ravenna Grass (Saccharum ravennae)
Ravenna Grass is one of the tall ornamental grasses for privacy with silvery plumes that can grow up to 12 feet tall. The gras is great for creating privacy and adding height to your garden.
18. Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)
Sea Oats is among the landscaping tall grass plants with flat, oat-like seed heads. This perennial can grow up to 4 feet tall and is perfect for adding texture and movement to your garden.
19. Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)
Northern Sea Oats is a perennial ornamental grass known for its delicate, nodding seed heads. This grass can grow up to 4 feet tall and adds a unique texture to your garden.
20. Japanese Blood Grass (Imperata cylindrica ‘Red Baron’)
Japanese Blood Grass is a vibrant ornamental grass with fiery red foliage. This perennial is perfect for adding a pop of color to your garden and can grow up to 18 inches tall.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the best ornamental grasses for privacy?
A: Some of the best ornamental grasses for privacy include Pampas Grass, Miscanthus, Giant Reed, and Switchgrass. These tall varieties provide excellent coverage and add a beautiful aesthetic to your garden.
Q: Are ornamental grasses easy to maintain?
A: Yes, ornamental grasses are generally low-maintenance plants. Most varieties are drought-tolerant and require minimal care, making them ideal for busy gardeners.
Q: Can ornamental grasses be grown in containers?
A: Many ornamental grasses can be grown in containers, provided the pots have good drainage and the grasses receive adequate sunlight. Varieties like Blue Oat Grass and Blue Fescue are particularly well-suited for container gardening.
Q: When is the best time to plant ornamental grasses?
A: The best time to plant ornamental grasses is in the spring or early fall. This allows the plants to establish their root systems before extreme temperatures set in.
Conclusion
Ornamental grasses are a fantastic addition to any garden, offering a range of colors, textures, and sizes to suit various landscape designs.
Whether you’re looking for perennial ornamental grasses or tall grasses for privacy, these versatile plants can enhance your garden’s beauty and functionality.
From the elegant Feather Reed Grass to the vibrant Purple Fountain Grass, there’s an ornamental grass to fit every garden style and need.