Elevate Your Exterior
Transform Your Outdoors with West Hills Masonry!
Call our Professional Contractors!
(714) 519-5009

List of Types of Ornamental Grasses for Your Garden

May 19, 2023 / Written by: Carlos Gonzales

May 19, 2023
Written by: Carlos Gonzales

Ornmental grasses are an excellent way to add texture, movement, and interest to any garden during a landscape remodel. They come in a wide range of sizes, colors, and shapes, and can be used in many different ways. Whether you're looking for a dramatic focal point or a subtle accent, there is an ornamental grass that will fit your needs.

Some are small enough to use as groundcovers, while others can reach several feet in height. Many types of ornamental grasses are also drought-tolerant and low maintenance, making them ideal for busy gardeners.

Ornamental Grasses: Enhance Your Landscape with These Beautiful Plants

Ornamental grasses are an excellent way to add texture, color, and interest to any garden. These plants are low-maintenance and come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Ornamental grasses are versatile, and they can be used as ground covers, borders, or even as a focal point in your garden.

Some of the best ornamental grasses to consider include Blue fescue, Karl Foerster, and blue oat grass. These grasses are easy to care for and will thrive in most soil conditions. Ornamental grasses add a unique dimension to any garden, and they are an excellent choice for those who want to enhance their landscape without spending a lot of time or money.

Best Ornamental Grasses for Different Soil Types and Conditions

Choosing the right ornamental grass for your garden requires considering the type of soil and conditions in your area. Some grasses thrive in moist soil, while others do better in well-drained soil. Some varieties prefer partial shade, while others need full sun.

The best ornamental grasses for different soil types and conditions include Maiden Grass, Fountain Grass, and Mexican feather grass. These grasses are drought-tolerant and can withstand different conditions, making them an excellent choice for most gardens.

With the right ornamental grass, you can create a beautiful, low-maintenance garden that will be the envy of your neighborhood.

Top 5 Tall Ornamental Grasses to Add Height and Texture to Your Garden

Tall ornamental grasses can add height and texture to your garden, creating a dramatic effect. These grasses can grow up to 10 feet tall and are perfect for adding privacy or creating a focal point in your garden.

The top five tall ornamental types of grass to consider include:

  1. Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana) - This stunning grass can grow up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide. It's a great choice for a large garden or mixed border. Pampas grass loves full sun and well-drained soil.
  2. Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora Karl Foerster) - This ornamental grass can grow up to 5 feet tall and produces feathery flower plumes that stand out in late summer. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
  3. Miscanthus (Miscanthus sinensis) - This grass can grow up to 8 feet tall and is known for its beautiful, feathery plumes in late summer. Miscanthus is a great choice for cooler climates and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
  4. Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis Gracillimus) - This graceful grass can grow up to 6 feet tall and produces delicate, silver-green foliage that turns gold in autumn. Maiden grass prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
  5. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) - This native grass can grow up to 6 feet tall and is known for its upright clumps and airy flowers. Switchgrass is drought-tolerant and prefers dry to moist, well-drained soil.

Small Ornamental Grasses: Add Interest and Diversity to Your Garden

Small ornamental grasses can add a unique touch to your garden design. These grasses come in a variety of heights, textures, and colors and can create an interesting contrast to larger plants in your landscape. Some popular small ornamental grasses include blue fescue, Japanese forest grass, and tufted hair grass.

These plants are perfect for mixed borders and rock gardens, where they can be used as a ground cover or edging plant. They also work well in containers and can be used to create a more naturalistic look in smaller outdoor spaces.

Colorful Ornamental Grasses: A Pop of Color to Your Garden Design

Ornamental grasses are not just green; they come in a variety of colors that can add interest and a pop of color to your garden design. Some colorful ornamental grasses include pink muhly grass, purple fountain grass, and Japanese blood grass.

These grasses can be used as a statement plant or to create a bold contrast against green foliage. They work well in mixed borders, rock gardens, and containers. When choosing a colorful ornamental grass, it is important to consider the plant's mature height, texture, and soil requirements.

How to Care for Your Ornamental Grasses: Maintenance Tips and Techniques

Ornamental grasses are relatively easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. However, there are a few tips and techniques that can help you keep your grasses healthy and looking their best.

Some important care tips include choosing the right location, watering properly, and pruning back in late winter or early spring. It is also important to understand the specific care requirements of your chosen grass, including its soil and light preferences.

With proper care, ornamental grasses can add texture, color, and interest to your garden design for years to come.

Native Ornamental Grasses: Supporting Biodiversity and Ecosystems

Native ornamental grasses are becoming increasingly popular in landscapes as they offer multiple benefits, including support for biodiversity and ecosystems. Native grasses provide habitat and food sources for local wildlife and can also help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion. Additionally, they often require less maintenance than non-native species, making them a low-maintenance option for gardeners.

One popular native grass is the Pennisetum alopecuroides, commonly known as Fountain Grass. This ornamental grass is drought-tolerant, warm-season grass that grows in compact clumps up to 3 feet tall and wide. Its feather-like plumes add interest and texture to any garden, and it requires minimal maintenance.

Another native grass is the Sorghastrum nutans, or Indian Grass, which grows up to 7 feet tall and produces beautiful golden-yellow flowers in late summer. This grass prefers well-drained soils and is drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for dry climates.

Incorporate Ornamental Grasses into Your Landscape Remodel with West Hills Masonry!

Looking to incorporate ornamental grasses into your landscape remodel? Let our team of experts help you design and install the perfect ornamental grasses for your garden.

With years of experience in landscape design and installation, we can help you select the right grasses that will thrive in your specific soil type and conditions. We are committed to providing exceptional customer service and quality workmanship, ensuring that your landscape remodel exceeds your expectations.

Don't wait any longer to enhance the beauty and diversity of your garden with ornamental grasses. Let's get started on your landscape remodel, email us at info@westhillsmasonry.com or contact us at 714-519-5009 at West Hills Masonry today!

Carlos Gonzales
He is the co-owner and project consultant of West Hills Masonry – a industry leading hardscape and landscape contractor providing the finest in custom outdoor-scapes in Orange County, CA. Carlos and his team at West Hills Masonry have over 50 years of combine experience. Carlos is very keen on understanding client perspective and integrate their vision with professional recommendation for proper finished installation.

Schedule A Consultation

At West Hills Masonry, we believe in creating outdoor spaces that reflect your unique style and enhance your lifestyle. Let's collaborate to transform your outdoor dreams into reality. Reach out to us today!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
West Hills Masonry Logo
West Hills Masonry
18195 McDurmott E, Suite B, 
Irvine, CA 92614
We integrate full scale design planning with finished hardscape & landscape functional living spaces.
Contractors License: 920870
Locations We Serve
Get In Touch
Working Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Houzz
GMB
© 2024 West Hills Masonry. All Rights Reserved.