Ornamental grasses are a nice low maintenance addition to almost any landscape. They are easy to care for as they tend to be relatively disease and pest free. Most varieties require little watering or fertilizer. There are many different sizes and shapes to choose from.Smaller ones are often used as ground covers while larger ones can be used as ground cover while larger ones can be used as privacy hedges. Mid-sized varieties often make nice borders for landscape beds.
Cool season grasses start to grow in the very early spring when things begin to thaw. they grow in the spring and the fall, but may go dormant in the higher temperatures of summer. Most flower in the spring or early summer. Here are a few examples of more commonly used cool season ornamental grasses.
Alopecurus pratensis - yellow foxtail - green/yellow leaf, white flower. Grows in full sun. Does well in most areas except for the southermost part of the U.S. Usually 1-2' high and 1-2" tall, but can get as high as 3 feet.
Calamagrostis acutiflora- El Dorado - green/ gold leaves. Grown in full sun. Zones 5a-8b. Grows up to 5' tall and 3-4' wide.
Deschampsia - tufted hair grass- green leaves, white flowers. Grows in full sun. Zone 4 - 9. Grows to 3' tall. Needs moderate watering but is deer resistant.
Elymus magellanicus - Blue Wheat Grass- blue/green leaves, brown flowers. Grows in Full sun. Zone 6-9. grows 1-2' tall and 1.5-2.5' wide.
