How to Grow Tall Ornamental Grass in Your Garden

Last Updated: August 6, 2024
Tall ornamental grass is a versatile and visually striking addition to any garden. With their graceful stems and feathery plumes, these grasses can add texture, movement, and height to your landscape. In this guide, we will explore the different varieties of tall ornamental grass, provide tips on how to grow and maintain them, and offer creative ideas on incorporating them into your garden design.

Tall ornamental grass can be a striking plant in the garden. When used correctly, these plants can even replace flowers.

By that I mean that they can be your centerpiece and can be more beautiful that traditional flowers.

A Comprehensive Guide for Tall Ornamental Grass

In this post, you will learn all you need to know about growing and designing with tall ornamental grass. We will discover the different varieties of tall ornamental grass and how to choose the right one for your garden based on factors like sunlight and soil conditions.

You will also gain insight into the proper techniques for growing and maintaining tall ornamental grass, including soil preparation, planting, watering, and fertilizing. Lastly, this post provides creative ideas and inspiration on how to incorporate tall ornamental grass into garden designs, whether as focal points, borders, or container plants.

Choosing the Right Ornamental Grass

When selecting tall ornamental grass for your garden, consider factors such as the amount of sunlight, soil conditions, and climate. Some popular varieties to consider include Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis), Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora), and Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum).

If you have a sunny garden, you might opt for “Karl Foerster” Feather Reed Grass, while Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra) thrives in shade. If you’re looking for drought-tolerant ornamental grass options, consider Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) or Blue Oat Grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens).

And it is also a good idea to choose native varieties that have evolved in your local area. Do some research and find what varieties will be best for your garden.

Check out Nature Hills Nursery to purchase ornamental grasses.

tall ornamental grass planted with other garden plants

Growing Tall Ornamental Grass

Before planting ornamental grass, prepare the soil by removing any weeds and loosening it to ensure proper drainage. Depending on the variety, you can either grow them from seeds or purchase transplants from a local nursery.

Supplement the grasses with organic matter, such as compost or manure. Plant them at the recommended spacing to allow for good airflow and avoid overcrowding. Water the grasses deeply but infrequently, providing about an inch of water per week. Fertilize them in the spring with a slow-release organic fertilizer to support healthy growth.

You can purchase a high-quality organic grass fertilizer from The Andersons.

Maintaining Tall Ornamental Grass

To maintain healthy and attractive tall ornamental grass, regular care is essential. In late winter or early spring, prune the grasses to about 6 inches above the ground to make way for new growth. Dividing the clumps every few years will prevent overcrowding and rejuvenate the plant.

Watch out for pests such as aphids or grasshoppers, and promptly address any signs of damage or disease. As winter approaches, leave the foliage intact to provide structure and protection against the cold weather.

garden border made from ornamental grass

Creating Beautiful Landscape Designs

Tall ornamental grasses can serve as focal points, create boundaries, or provide a soft backdrop in your garden. For a modern garden design, consider planting rows of Maiden Grass in a linear pattern, providing a clean and architectural aesthetic.

To add texture and movement, mix in colorful flowering plants like coneflowers or black-eyed susans. If you have a smaller garden, opt for container gardening with Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca) or Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum) as statement pieces on your patio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which ornamental grass grows the tallest?

Technically speaking, bamboo is the tallest-growing ornamental grass. Some species of bamboo can grow to be over 100 ft tall!

What is the fastest growing grass?

The pampas grass is one of the fastest growing tall ornamental grasses, which makes it a perfect choice for filling in dead landscapes or to create some privacy.

What ornamental grass is good for Canadian climates?

Big bluestem and Prairie dropseed are two of the best ornamental grasses to grow in Canadian climates. They are native to the area, meaning they can survive harsh winters with very low temperatures and heavy snowfalls, as well as harsh summers with very high temperatures and little rainfall.

Do ornamental grasses have a lifespan?

With the proper care, your tall ornamental grass can last you 8-10 years.

Does tall grass spread?

Grasses drop their seeds readily and will be moved around by animals, like squirrels and birds. This means that more young grass plants will pop up every season.

Where can I buy tall ornamental grasses?

Tall ornamental grasses can be purchased from nurseries, garden centers, and online retailers.

Even More Gardening Ideas

Here are a few more posts to get the ball rolling in your garden!

Products

For all-purpose organic fertilizers, check out Arber.

To buy organic, non-GMO lavender seeds, check out SeedsNow.

For a wide selection of perennial garden plants, check out Nature Hills Nursery.

For gardening equipment, check out Bootstrap Farmer

Conclusion

Incorporating tall ornamental grass into your garden can add beauty and visual interest. By choosing the right variety, properly caring for them, and thoughtfully including them in your landscape design, you can enjoy the unique charm and elegance that tall ornamental grass brings. So, why not explore the world of ornamental grass and start creating a stunning garden that will be the envy of all?

By following this comprehensive guide, you will have the knowledge and inspiration needed to grow, maintain, and design with tall ornamental grass in your garden. Whether you’re looking to add height and drama, create a peaceful oasis, or simply enhance the overall aesthetic, tall ornamental grass is sure to make a statement in your outdoor space.

This post was linked to in Ridge Haven Homestead’s Homestead Blog Hop 509, so check them out to learn more!

If you want to learn more about gardening, foraging, nature, and sustainability, check out The Real Gardener on Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest.

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