Asian Landscape Plants

Ornamental Grasses

• Asian ornamental grasses--specifically the Miscanthus varieties--thrive in gardens where well-drained soil and full- to partially-sunny days prevail. Known for its gracefully arching, narrow spear-shaped foliage and slender seed heads, Miscanthus is often used as a focal point in the garden. Maiden grass or Chinese silver grass may grow as high as 8 feet tall, depending on the cultivar. Use a single giant cultivar as a specimen planting in the corner of a broad expanse of lawn, or set multiple clumps in a row to create an unusual hedge. Smaller cultivars, especially those with variegated or colored leaves complement sturdy, broad-leafed perennials in a mixed bed or border. Miscanthus holds up well in poor soil and harsh conditions, making it suitable for urban gardens. Leave the seed heads and grass spears intact through the chilly months to add dimension and texture to your wintertime garden.

Japanese Maples

• With so many varieties of Japanese maple trees available, the biggest challenge may be limiting yourself to just a few that fit into your garden space. A large tree with branching limbs provides shade through the summer and vibrantly colorful autumn leaves. An upright vase-shaped Japanese maple planted near the side of your house highlights architectural features, while a low-growing, spreading variety provides foundation in an Asian garden design. Another favorite, the red-leafed weeping variety is suitable planted at the edge of a rock garden or by a water feature where its drooping branches drift over the edges. Whichever variety you choose, keep the roots covered with mulch to retain moisture until the tree reaches maturity. Prune the trees lightly to maintain their shape and remove fallen leaves and twigs in late fall to reduce the chance for pest infestations.

Bamboo

• A favorite in Zen-inspired meditation gardens and around oriental statuary, bamboo is a fast-growing, woody-stemmed type of grass. Choose the clumping type of bamboo for your yard, as the running type can turn into an invasive weed that's extremely difficult to keep from overrunning the entire property. Plant a cluster of three to five bamboo next to a patio or deck for light shade and high visual impact. Create a natural privacy screen by planting two or three rows of bamboo closely together along your property line. Bamboo is semi-evergreen, or evergreen in warmer climates, but still sheds leaves which need to be raked and collected to maintain a healthy environment for this Asian plant's growth.