Go, Grasses, Go!

I was talking to a client about ornamental grasses this week. It always surprises me how little people use ornamental grasses. They provide something to look at year round, many are low water, they have beautiful seed heads, some change colors with the seasons, deer wont eat most of them (which is kind of too bad, since that would only make maintenance easier), and the only maintenance they require is to be cut down before they start to grow in spring. So here are three lovely, hardy, easy-grow ornamental grasses. Thanks to the Conservation Garden Park for all the wonderful pictures.

Bouteloua gracilis - Blue Grama Grass - Utah Native
This diverse little grass only gets about 24" tall. Its great for borders around beds and natural areas. It will naturalize, so plant is some where you can control it, or put it in a natural area where it can go wild. A pre-ermergent herbicide will help the seeds from sprouting. You can also use this beauty as a low-water lawn substitute and mow it like you would a Kentucky Blue Grass lawn. The seed heads will turn purple in fall.

Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus' - Maiden Grass
This beauty can get up to seven feet tall. But you can cut it back farther in the spring if you want it to stay a little shorter. The red seed heads are later to bloom in the year than other grasses, but dry to wonderful tan plumes for winter. Its a great, year-round interest grass and is known for its reliability. The Miscanthus are a little less cold hardy, so keep this guy in town and away from the cabin.

Erianthus ravennae - Hardy Pampas or Ravenna Grass
This giant among ornamental grasses can grow up to 12 feet tall. The grass portion through summer is pretty and large enough on its own, but watch out for when the seed plumes start to grow because this kid knows how to put on a show. It is known for its large seed plumes. The plumes are also great in dried flower arrangements. This grass will also self-sow, so make sure to remove the seedlings or plant it in an area that it can naturalize.