DIY Network

Ornamental Grasses From "Ask DIY" episode ADI-502

Jessie Mack Burns offers advice on the selection and use of ornamental grasses in landscaping.

Ornamental grasses come in many varieties and can add height and fullness to your garden, borders and beds. DIY's horticulturist Jessie Mack Burns provides tips and answers frequently asked questions on planting these attractive landscape additions.

advertisement

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G
	Figure H

Q: In what type of environment do ornamental grasses grow best?

A: The most suitable environment varies according to species and varieties of grasses. Here are examples of grasses suited for dry environments and wet environments.

• Prairie grass (figure A) can take drier conditions, and is a good choice planting in areas that are typically less moist. The soil, however, should not be allowed to become overly dry or dusty.

• Bluedwarf sedge (figure B) occurs naturally along riverbanks, streams and ponds, and can tolerate "wet feet." It can withstand being submerged in water, and is best suited to planting in soil that is frequently wet.

Planting Tip:Taller ornamental grasses can be used as visual backdrops behind smaller plants, or smaller varieties of grasses such as fountain grass (figure C). Taller grasses can act as a windscreen, and can be strategically located to protect smaller plants.

Planting Tip: When planting grasses that have been growing in containers and have become root-bound, use a small hand-saw to help separate the roots (figure D) before planting. Place the root-ball in a hole, add soil (figure E) and gently tamp the soil down.

Q: Do I prune ornamental grasses like I do shrubs?

A: Yes, it is advisable to prune grasses. Here are some suggestions:

• When the tall plumes and shoots die back or dry out during the spring and summer months, prune them back using hand-pruners (figure F).

• In the cooler months -- just before winter sets in -- cut ornamental grasses back just above the soil line (figure G). Cutting grasses back each fall will help promote spring growth.

Planting Tip: To control the size of your grass plantings -- and prevent ornamental grasses from growing out of control in a smaller space -- you may want to simply plant them in containers, submerging the entire container (figure H) in a hole you've dug in the soil. Eventually, the grass will become root-bound in the container, and will begin to die back. If you like, you can then dig up the container and divide up the grass using a hand-saw to separate the roots. The divided up grasses can be re-planted at selected locations in your yard.

Q: What kind of grasses can provide the privacy of a hedge?

A: Pampas grass is a good selection for providing privacy and screening. The shoots and plumes grow quite high, and the body of the plant eventually will as well. Pampas grass may grow as high as 15 feet, and functions well for separating or providing privacy along the edges of a yard. Remember, however, that these tall grasses will need to be cut back low in the fall, so they won't provide screening in the cooler months.

RESOURCES :
The Encyclopedia of Ornamental Grasses
Model: 0875961002
Author: John Greenlee
Rodale Press
(November 1992)