Ornamental Grasses – Tips for Planting and Growing Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses are as close to low-maintenance as a plant can get. Whether planted in large clumps, hedges, or tossed into the landscape for texture and color, they make great focal points and accents.

Most ornamental grasses prefer at least 6 hours of sun per day, but some are more flexible and will do with a little less. Medium-growing grasses like Hameln or Karley Rose can be spaced 18 to 24 inches apart. Smaller growers like Acorus Ogon, Black Mondo, and Prairie Dropseed grasses can be planted much closer together, even 4 to 8 inches apart. The taller varieties, such as Miscanthus Adagio, Miscanthus Gracillimus, and Miscanthus Morning Light, can be spaced 2.5 to 3 feet apart.

Plant ornamental grasses in holes that are as deep as their original containers. Add aged manure or compost at planting time and mulch thickly in the fall. Monitor pastures closely for the first few weeks. Check them daily. If the soil at the base of the clods is dry, water them. A long, dry day can cause them to die at this early stage. Depending on the environment and weather, they may need to be watered daily or every other day during this time. Each situation will be different, so you will need to use your own judgment in this regard. The soil about 3 inches down should be cool and moist around the plant. Once they are established, about a month, water weekly for the first growing season. After a year, they require little watering.