Native and ornamental grasses have become a staple in sophisticated landscaping. While there were only a few options several decades ago, now there are many unique and versatile varieties to take your lawn to the next level.

Reasons for Planting Ornamental Grass

There are several reasons to consider planting ornamental grasses, including:

• Low maintenance: Many ornamental grasses need very little upkeep.

• Drought tolerant: Some varieties are drought tolerant, making them ideal for warm climate zones with little moisture.  

• Deer resistant: Some ornamental grasses are unappealing to native wildlife, which can minimize your risk of lawn damage by deer and other creatures. 

• Adaptability: You can find the right ornamental grass to meet any challenges, whether you’re accounting for temperature, precipitation, or sun exposure.

• Aesthetics: Ornamental grasses can bring a unique appeal to your landscaping.

Types of Ornamental Grasses

These benefits may vary depending on the type of ornamental grass you may consider. Therefore, it’s worth understanding the basics of some of the most popular ornamental grass varieties.

Mexican feather grass

This variety requires full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is an excellent option for climate zones seven through eleven. It grows between eighteen and twenty-four inches tall and turns all yellow at maturity. It is an attractive option that thrives in hot and humid environments. While it requires little maintenance, you may have to comb the seed hades out as they tend to clump together. 

Feather reed grass

Also called Karl Foerster feather reed grass, this ornamental grass is a tough plant that can thrive in many conditions, particularly climate zones five through nine. It requires full sun and well-drained soils. It has a distinct look marked by feather bronze flower spikes.

Little bluestem

As one of the heartiest ornamental grasses, it features gray to green leaf blades that turn bold purple, red, and orange in the autumn. It thrives in most climate zones, including zone four through nine. 

Dwarf pampas grass

Dwarf pampas grass can grow up to five feet tall and develops snowy white flowers in the late summer and fall. It is deer and drought-resistant and requires full sun and well-drained soil. 

Japanese forest grass

Japanese forest grass grows lower than other varieties, topping out at less than one foot tall, and is known for its distinct green foliage. It requires partial shade and well-drained soil and thrives in climate zones five to nine. 

Japanese blood grass

This plant is well known for its colors, which include red, yellow, and green. It requires full sun to part shade and moist soil and thrives in zones five to nine. However, this variety may be considered invasive in some areas, so you should check before planting it. 

Purple fountain grass

This option has a striking reddish-purple color on the stalks that fan out like a fountain. It does well in cold-winter areas as an annual, although in zones nine and ten, it can also be a cool-season grass with the proper care. Its appearance is especially striking when planted near a garden close to oat grass or sweet potato vines.  

Blue fescue grass

Blue fescue grass is a popular option that thrives in zones four to eight. It grows less than one foot tall and has powder-blue foliage on tiny mounds. 

Pink muhly grass

Pink muhly grass is another cool season plant, with pink flowers blooming in the fall or winter. It thrives in zones five to nine and requires full sun to part shade with medium moisture. 

Black mondo grass

Black mondo grass only gets about eight inches high, making it an excellent ground cover. It does well in zones six to nine with high moisture. 

Miscanthus sinensis

Also known as zebra grass, this variety has green foliage with pale yellow stripes. It thrives in zones five through nine with full sun.

Ornamental grasses can be a great addition to your lawn. However, it’s a good idea to research or consult with experts before making a final decision. They can guide you so that the ornamental grasses you select meet your needs and maintenance expectations.