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Ornamental Grass

Ornamental Grass is one of those perennials that is relative cheap to buy, very low maintenance and you can let your imagination go in the uses of it.





Grasses can provide your backyard landscape beds with height, interesting colors, textures, sound and contrast. Many ornamental grasses retain their foliage throughout the year, adding fall and winter landscape interest to your backyard.

With so many varieties of ornamental grasses you are sure to find one that you truly like and can use in your backyard.

One thing to keep in mind is that some ornamental grasses will grow quite large and will become to big for an area, when they reach their mature size.

When shopping read the tags on the plants to find out the mature sizes, growth habits and growing zone.

Landscaping with Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grass works well when planted in groups or masses. But before you go planting in masses make sure your landscape bed is large enough to handle the mature size of some grasses.

  • Taller ornamental grasses work well in perennial flower beds to create a backdrop for your other perennials, annuals and shrubs.
  • Some grasses work well with container flower gardening.Grasses planted along with annuals these are really great when used on the patio or deck.
  • Planting ornamental grass in your backyard will add character with the various textures and colors available.
  • Combine juniper shrubs or boxwood shrubs with your ornamental grass for year round interest.


One of my favorite combinations is using a group feather reed grass as a back drop to a mass of red or pink carpet roses.

To get a good feel on what ornamental grass types you would like in your backyard. Check with local nurseries, magazines, books or online nurseries like Nature Hills Nursery, Inc.





My favorite book is the The Color Encyclopedia of Ornamental Grasses.

Lots of pictures and also covers Sedges, Rushes, Restios, Cat-tails, and Selected Bamboos

Uses and Aspects of Ornamental Grass

  • Natural fences
  • Hide Utilities
  • Softens structures (Fences, Sheds)
  • Focal Points
  • Ground cover (using the smaller grasses)
  • Provides habitat for wildlife
  • Deer resistant
  • Revitalizes poor soils
  • Many varieties are drought tolerant, once established
  • Slope stabilization
  • Largely unaffected by disease and pests
  • Useful in a wide range of soil types
  • Perfect for swimming pool landscaping, adds that exotic look


Ornamental Grasses Types

Dwarf Ornamental Grass Design
A 3D design using "Little Bunny" fountain grass

Hardy Pampas Grass
Hardy pampas grass is truly spectacular. This giant ornamental grass grows well in the north while retaining the characteristics of its southern cousins. With long...

Dwarf Pampas Grass
Dwarf pampas grass gives you all the drama of standard pampas grass without the size. It is the perfect choice to make a small garden resemble a large one. This ornamental grass makes a...

Black Fountain Grass
Black fountain grass is a striking addition to your garden. The dark plumes of the seed pods contrast nicely with...

Fireworks Fountain Grass
Fireworks fountain grass offers dramatic color for your garden. The deep reddish-purple leaves have dark centers. In the very center of the plant where sun doesn't reach, the leaves ...


dwarf fountain grass Dwarf Fountain Grass
Dwarf fountain grass is a great addition to mass plantings. With its narrow, arching leaves, it adds vertical interest and texture. The seed heads are shaped like ...


Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass
Karl Foerster feather reed grass was named Perennial Plant of the Year in 2001 by the Perennial Plant Association. This ornamental grass is very attractive and versatile. It requires very little ...

Karley Rose Fountain Grass
Karley Rose fountain grass is a hardy fountain grass that does well in cooler climates. The bright green narrow foliage is topped with fluffy pink plumes in summer and ...

Little Bunny Fountain Grass
Little Bunny fountain grass is the smallest of the dwarf fountain grasses. It requires very little care and always looks perky in the garden.

White Pampas Grass "Cortaderia selloana"
White pampas grass forms large clumps several feet tall consisting of narrow, arching leaves topped with tall stalks ending in large feathery plumes. They make a spectacular ...

Purple Fountain Grass
Purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Eaton Canyon')is a beautiful ornamental that can fill in a bare spot easily.

Deer Grass
Deer Grass or Deer Muhly is a perennial bunchgrass that grows best in warm areas. This grass forms large, dense clumps but it can spread to cover an entire area.









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