How to Grow Ornamental Grasses
Wikimedia Commons
Ornamental Grasses
Poaceae (family)
grassOrnamental 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.
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Example Ornamental Grasses timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Ornamental Grasses
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Ornamental Grasses
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
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.
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Get my Ornamental Grasses timeline →Growth Stages
Vegetative Growth (Summer)
6-10 weeksFoliage 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 weeksInflorescences 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 monthsFoliage 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.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove infected foliage; improve air circulation; cut back dead material in winter to reduce spores
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Most ornamental grasses are not primary targets; rarely requires treatment; drought stress increases susceptibility
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and
(Noctuidae family)
Remove affected foliage; rarely damaging to established grasses; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization
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Increase humidity with misting; reflective mulches may deter; insecticidal soap if severe
Uses
Cut arrangements & dried arrangements
HouseholdOrnamental 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]
Landscape & garden design
HouseholdGrasses 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]
Wildlife habitat & food source
WildlifeSeed 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]
Erosion control & soil stabilization
HouseholdGrass root systems stabilize soil on slopes, in rain gardens, and along waterways. They prevent erosion while improving soil structure and drainage over time. [source]
Privacy & wind screening
HouseholdTall 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%.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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