Southern Ornamental Grasses

Description

• Ornamental grasses come in a variety of heights, shapes, colors and textures when it comes to their foliage and the seed head, also known as inflorescence. The grass ranges in size from shorter types like mondo grass, which grows from 8 to 16 inches in height, to pampas grass, which reaches up to 14 feet in height. Some ornamental grasses change color in the fall, adding even more interest to the garden.

Types

• Ornamental grasses fall into two categories, including clumping grasses and spreading grasses. Both types grow well in southern gardens. Clumping grasses grow by forming new divisions, also known as culms. The mound of grass increases in width at the base, but does not spread to other parts of the garden. Spreading grasses, however, form culms, as well as rhizomes or stolons, allowing the grass to spread across the garden. Spreading grasses make great ground covers.

Planting

• Ornamental grass grows from seeds or as transplants from containers. While the grass grows in almost any soil, it prefers well-drained areas of the garden. Most ornamental grasses require sun or partial shade to reach their full potential. When transplanting grasses from nursery containers, make sure to plant the grass no deeper than the top of the original rootball. Mulch the area to help retain moisture while the new plants gets established.

Maintenance

• New plants require regular watering until they establish themselves. Once established, ornamental grasses seldom need watering except for times of drought or intense heat southern gardens sometimes experience. A layer of mulch helps retain moisture while helping to control weeds. As winter arrives, ornamental grasses require no maintenance. Instead, they add interest to the garden with their lingering seedheads. In early spring, before the grass begins to grow again, cut the plants down to 4 to 6 inches in height. Not only does the pruning encourage new growth, but it also helps the grass get started earlier in the spring by warming the soil more quickly. Once the grass starts showing new growth, it's time to apply a slow-release fertilizer.

Uses

• Some gardeners use ornamental grasses to create a sense of movement in the garden when the wind catches the blades and puts them into motion. The rustling of the grasses offers another layer of appeal for some gardeners. The grasses also work well in borders, water gardens and growing out of rock gardens. Tall ornamental grasses make a great foundation plant against which smaller plants can grow. Ornamental grasses also make a great ground cover.