All About Ornamental Grasses- Planning, Planting, and Aftercare
Your Guide to Planning, Planting and Growing Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses are a fun and easy way to bring texture, movement, and even a bit of soothing sound to your garden. They're super versatile—you can use them almost anywhere in your landscape to create a bold focal point or add contrast to other plants. Once they’ve settled in, they don’t need much care and can handle dry spells like a champ!
Plan for Success
The vast majority of ornamental grasses thrive in full sun locations—some varieties require 6-8 hours daily to reach their maximum growth and color potential. Varieties that prefer shade to part shade will discolor or scorch if they get too much sun, so refer to your specific variety before deciding where to plant it in your garden.
SUN: 6+ hours of direct sunlight per day
PART SUN: 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day
SHADE: 2-4 hours of direct sunlight per day, usually during the morning hours
Hardiness Zones
Ornamental grasses grow well in most parts of the country—generally in USDA zones 3 to 11. But keep in mind, some types do better in cooler areas (like zones 3–7), while others love the heat and sunshine in warmer zones (7–11). Refer to your specific variety to make sure it’s a good match for your climate!
Bare Root vs Potted
Bare root perennials are a smart and budget-friendly way to grow your garden. They often give you more bang for your buck and can even grow into stronger, healthier plants than the potted ones you see in stores.
Since bare root plants are grown in open soil, their roots develop naturally and form helpful connections with the soil—making them more resilient once planted. They also tend to settle in faster and grow quickly in their new spot.
When you buy bare root grasses, they are dormant (basically “asleep”), so they’re not actively growing. That makes them less likely to suffer from transplant shock and helps them adjust more easily than potted plants that have already started growing.
Plus, because there’s no pot or extra soil involved, bare root plants usually cost less—making them a great choice if you’re planting a larger area or just want to save a little money while still getting great results.
When to Plant
Planting bare root ornamental grasses in the fall gives them time to develop a strong root system before winter, resulting in healthier growth and more vibrant displays in spring. The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall of fall create ideal conditions for root establishment.
Plant your bare root grass within a week of bringing it home. If you are unable to plant within a week and need to push out planting up to 2 weeks, keep the roots moist, but not saturated. You can wrap them in a paper towel or burlap and secure them with twine. Store in a cool, dark place (unheated shed or garage).
Before planting, hydrate the roots by submerging them in water for at least an hour to ensure they are hydrated.
- Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the roots and the same depth in a well-drained, shade location
- Place the roots in the hole with the top of the root crown slightly higher than the surrounding soil
- Build a water-retaining berm around the hole to retain moisture
- Backfill the hole halfway with soil and water thoroughly to eliminate any pockets of air around the roots.
- Continue backfilling with soil until the soil is level.
- Water deeply.
Where to Plant
Ornamental grasses can be used in many creative and fun ways. The variety of heights, widths, colors and blooms create interest in gardens and landscapes year round.
Taller varieties can be used as a border at the back of garden beds where its height will create vertical interest. Many taller varieties also make perfect soft privacy screens that help define spaces. Planting along paths and fences act as natural, low-maintenance accents that soften hardscapes.
Use ornamental grasses as a border in shady locations or woodland gardens. Part sun and shade varieties can be planted around trees or under larger shrubs where sunlight is filtered. Plant along streams, ponds or other water features in your landscape. Smaller varieties makes a great container plant for shady porches and patios.
Many ornamental grasses persist through winter to provide shelter and seeds for birds and other wildlife. Grasses are generally excellent for erosion control, soil stabilization and restoration plantings.
What to Expect
When planting bare root ornamental grasses in the spring, you can expect a somewhat slow start. But with proper care, it will establish well and grow into a healthy, attractive plant. You may see no foliage or just a few brownish ones above the root ball because the plant is dormant. This is normal! Focus on the roots and potential rather than the top of the plant.
Spring Planted Grasses
When planting bare root ornamental grasses in the spring, you can expect a somewhat slow start. But with proper care, it will establish well and grow into a healthy, attractive plant. You may see no foliage or just a few brownish ones above the root ball because the plant is dormant. This is normal! Focus on the roots and potential rather than the top of the plant.
The roots will be exposed and may look somewhat dry. Soaking them before planting is helpful. In the first 2 weeks after planting, you won’t be able to see it, but the roots will begin to wake up. Within 3-6 weeks, you may see new green shoots start to emerge, especially if the weather is warm. Growth is slow and modest at first, so be patient. By one full season, you will see a tidy clump of grass develop. Over the years, it will gradually get larger and reach its full potential by the 3rd growing season.
Fall Planted Grasses
When planted in the fall, these grasses benefit from cooler temperatures and moist soil, allowing their roots to establish before winter. While top growth may not be immediately vigorous, the root system will develop underground, setting the stage for strong, healthy growth in spring. Expect minimal maintenance over winter as most varieties are hardy and enjoy their striking seed heads and foliage, which add visual appeal even in colder months. Come spring, they’ll burst to life with renewed energy and vibrant color.
How to Care for Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses are relatively easy to care for. Simply follow the sun, water and fertilizing requirements for your specific variety. Dividing every 3-5 years is a great way to rejuvenate clumps and propagate new plants.
Evergreen grasses don’t need much pruning. Instead, they only require some tidying up with a light trim. Unlike deciduous grasses that die back in winter and need to be cut down to the ground, evergreen grasses generally stay green all year. In early spring, remove any dead or dry leaves and old flower stems. You can do this by gently pulling them out with your hands, gently using a rake, or trimming the damaged parts with scissors or garden shears.
Deciduous grasses like a good haircut in late winter or early spring—just before they start growing again. Trim them down to about 3–5 inches above the ground. This helps fresh, healthy growth come in strong and keeps the old, dead leaves from getting in the way. It's a simple step that makes a big difference!
Click the variety below to find out more information:
Feather Reed Grass ‘Karl Foerster’
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