Ornamental Grass - Choosing and Planting Ornamental Grass

Ornamental grasses have been around for a long time, but have recently gained popularity among gardeners and landscapers. Because these plants are easy to grow in almost any type of soil, many people are beginning to incorporate ornamental grasses into their landscape design.

Choosing an Ornamental Grass

Ornamental grasses come in many different heights, colors and textures. When choosing ornamental grasses, the most important thing to consider is the climate in which you live. Though ornamental grasses are typically hardy plants, some grasses are better for cold climates than others.

If you are looking to incorporate ornamental grasses into your landscape, visit a local nursery to find out what your options are. If you can't find anything you like, consider a mail order publication (for more information, visit MGA at www.mailordergardening.com).

Types of Ornamental Grass

There are many different types of ornamental grasses available, ranging from common to exotic. Here are some of the most popular ornamental grasses:

• Blue Fescue
• Blue Lymegrass
• Bluestem
• Feather Reed Grass
• Feathertop
• Fountain Grass
• India Grass
• Japanese Silver Grass
• Miscathus Grass
• Northern Sea Oats
• Pampas
• Plume Grass
• Prairie Dropseed
• Purple Moor Grass
• Quaking Grass
• Rabbit's Tail Grass
• Ribbon Grass
• Switchgrass

Planting Ornamental Grass

In general, ornamental grass is easy to plant. You can either plant ornamental grass in pots, add it to flower beds, or use it to fill in any bare spots you may have in your lawn and landscaping. Ornamental grasses are very adaptable and can grow in soil that is too poor for other garden plants.

Most ornamental grasses require between six and eight hours of sunlight each day. Whether you are planting grass in a pot or in the ground, you need to choose a spot that gets a sufficient amount of sunlight. After planting the ornamental grass or grass seed in the desired location, water well. Continue watering the plant regularly during the first few weeks. Once the plant has been established, you can water sparingly or perhaps not at all.