How to Grow Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental Grasses

Poaceae (family)

grass

Ornamental grasses are decorative grass species grown primarily for their aesthetic foliage, texture, and seed heads rather than for food production. They range from compact groundcovers to tall specimen plants, offering year-round visual interest with graceful forms and striking colors. These plants are valued in landscape design for their movement, erosion control, and low maintenance requirements.

Looking for a specific variety?

Fountain Grass Miscanthus Feather Reed Grass Switchgrass Blue Oat Grass Japanese Forest Grass

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily for most species; some shade-tolerant varieties accept 3-4 hours of sun

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Water: Moderate watering during establishment (first season); drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply but infrequently. Reduce watering in winter dormancy.

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Spacing: 12-48 inches depending on mature size (check individual species; dwarf types 12-18", tall types 24-48") inches

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Days to maturity: 12-24 months to full mature size depending on species

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Planting depth: Plant crowns at soil level; do not bury. Seeds sown on soil surface or lightly pressed in.

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil; tolerates poor soils once established

pH: 5.5-7.5 (varies by species)

Amendments:

compost (minimal, as grasses prefer lean soil) sand or perlite for heavy clay peat moss for acid-loving species

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Most ornamental grasses thrive in zones 3-9, though some warm-season varieties extend to zone 11. Cool-season types prefer zones 3-7.

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Establishment (Spring/Early Summer)

4-8 weeks

Young shoots emerge from crown with thin, fine foliage. Plant is developing root system.

Water regularly to establish roots. Apply mulch around (not touching) crown. Avoid heavy fertilization.

Vegetative Growth (Summer)

6-10 weeks

Foliage expands rapidly, forming clumps with increasing height. Some species may show color shifts.

Continue moderate watering. Remove any dead leaves. Stake tall varieties if needed in windy areas.

Flowering & Seed Head Development (Late Summer to Fall)

6-12 weeks

Inflorescences emerge above foliage, displaying feathery or spike-like seed heads. Often color changes occur (yellows, golds, reds, bronzes).

Do not deadhead unless concerned about self-seeding. Allow seed heads to develop for winter interest. Reduce watering.

Winter Dormancy (Late Fall to Spring)

3-4 months

Foliage fades to tan, cream, bronze, or rust tones. Plant appears dried but maintains structure.

Do NOT cut back cool-season grasses until early spring. Cut warm-season grasses in late winter (late February to early March). Leave seed heads for wildlife.

Spring Renewal

2-3 weeks

New growth emerges from crown as soil warms. Old foliage should be removed.

Cut back dormant foliage before new growth reaches 6 inches. Apply spring compost topdressing if desired.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

coneflowers black-eyed Susans sedums coreopsis yarrow lavender daylilies salvia peonies alliums

Avoid planting near:

aggressive spreading plants (bindweed, mint) plants requiring frequent watering (hostas in dry sites) shade trees that limit light

Common Pests

Remove infected foliage; improve air circulation; cut back dead material in winter to reduce spores
Most ornamental grasses are not primary targets; rarely requires treatment; drought stress increases susceptibility
and (Noctuidae family)
Remove affected foliage; rarely damaging to established grasses; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization
Increase humidity with misting; reflective mulches may deter; insecticidal soap if severe

Uses

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Cut arrangements & dried arrangements

Household

Ornamental grass seed heads and stems make striking long-lasting cut flowers and dried arrangements for indoor décor. They add texture and movement to bouquets and can last months when properly dried. [source]

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Landscape & garden design

Household

Grasses provide year-round structure, texture, and color contrast in gardens. They create movement in wind, soften hardscapes, define spaces, and require minimal maintenance once established. [source]

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Wildlife habitat & food source

Wildlife

Seed heads feed birds and small mammals through fall and winter. Dense foliage provides shelter and nesting material for beneficial insects, birds, and small creatures. [source]

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Erosion control & soil stabilization

Household

Grass root systems stabilize soil on slopes, in rain gardens, and along waterways. They prevent erosion while improving soil structure and drainage over time. [source]

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Privacy & wind screening

Household

Tall ornamental grasses (5-8 feet) create natural privacy screens, reduce wind velocity, and filter dust while providing a softer aesthetic than solid fences. [source]

Harvest Tips

Ornamental grasses are not harvested for food. For cut arrangements, harvest seed heads when fully developed but before they shatter (typically fall). Cut stems when dry for longest vase life (2-4 weeks). Collect seeds for propagation in early fall before they disperse naturally.

Fun Facts

🌱 Ornamental grasses are among the oldest cultivated plants, with evidence of selective breeding dating back thousands of years in Asia and Europe.
🌱 Cool-season grasses green up in spring and fall but go dormant (brown) in hot summers, while warm-season grasses stay green through summer but turn brown in winter—choosing the right type creates a four-season color display.
🌱 Some ornamental grasses can survive on annual rainfall alone in their native regions, making them exceptionally drought-tolerant alternatives to traditional lawns and reducing water usage by up to 70%.

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