Planting Ornamental Grasses: Expert Tips and Varieties
Ornamental grasses can be a great addition to landscaping, adding texture, soothing movement, and classic gracefulness to the garden. There are many varieties of this plant, and each has its own growth characteristics in addition to its unique ornamental beauty. These grasses are known for their low maintenance and can thrive in full sun with dry to medium moisture, in well-drained soils.
It's important to note that planting in the spring or early fall is ideal for ornamental grasses, allowing ample time for them to establish a strong root system before winter.
The professional landscape designers at Alandscape in Lakeville, New York, can help you choose the variety that best enhances your unique taste and outdoor garden space. They are the premier garden and landscape service providers in the Conesus Lake area of Livingston County. Here are just a few examples of ornamental grasses and their characteristics:
Calamagrostis acutiflora “Karl Foerster” is a highly sought-after ornamental grass. It features tall, upright growth and beautiful feathery plumes that turn gold in the fall. Karl Foerster is known for adding vertical interest, structure, and movement to landscaping, making it a favorite among gardeners.
Pennisetum alopecuroides “Piglet” is a compact and dwarf variety of fountain grass. Its small size makes it ideal for containers and small gardens. Piglet displays graceful, arching foliage and attractive plumes, adding a splash of texture and color to the landscape. It is a low-maintenance and versatile ornamental grass option.
Pennisetum alopecuroides “Red Head” is a stunning variety of fountain grass with deep red plumes. This ornamental grass adds a bold burst of color and texture to the landscape, making it a popular choice.
Miscanthus sinensis “Scout” is an attractive ornamental grass with a compact growth habit. It features slender, upright foliage and graceful plumes which add texture and movement to your garden.
Miscanthus sinensis “Strictus” is striking with its distinctive horizontal banding on its foliage. This ornamental grass grows in an upright, arching habit and its showy plumes make it a beautiful addition to any landscape.
Miscanthus sinensis “Variegatus” is stunning in appearance with its variegated foliage with white and green stripes. With graceful plumes and a clumping habit, it adds a touch of elegance anywhere it grows.
Panicum virgatum “Prairie Winds Niagara Falls” is a beautiful, upright switchgrass variety. It boasts blue-green foliage with a cascading waterfall effect, adding movement and interest to your garden.
Miscanthus sinensis “Autumn Light” is a popular choice of ornamental grass with a compact, upright habit. It produces delicate, copper-colored plumes in the fall and features attractive foliage that turns golden-bronze in autumn.
Miscanthus sinensis “Morning Light” is graceful in appearance with narrow, silvery-white striped foliage. Its upright habit and showy plumes add beauty and texture to garden landscapes, especially when backlit by sunlight.
Miscanthus sinensis “Encore” is a show-stopping ornamental grass with narrow, green leaves and silver midribs. It forms a dense, arching mound and produces beautiful feathery plumes which add elegance to any garden.
Miscanthus sinensis “Zebrinus” is a striking ornamental grass with horizontal golden-yellow bands on its green foliage. Its tall, arching habit and feathery plumes make it a standout addition to any garden.
By incorporating ornamental grasses into your Western New York landscape design, you can achieve privacy, add visual interest, and create a more dynamic garden landscape. Contact the professional designers at Alandscape who can explain the varieties of ornamental grasses to help you sort through the myriad features of each. These elegant grasses can add greatly to the enhancement and enjoyment of your outdoor space.
