Types of Ornamental Grasses

Maiden Grass (Miscanthus)

The first of the Ornamental Grasses we’ll explore is Maiden Grass. These grasses grow in clumps and have long arching stems. In August and September, Maiden Grass will develop bronze foliage.

Maiden Grass grows to be very tall and very wide. It should be planted in full sunlight, and in well-drained soil for best results. Maiden Grass can handle excessive moisture and drought, and you shouldn’t have to worry about caring for your Maiden Grass often. It’s resistant to nearly all diseases and pests. Every three years, however, the middle of the plant will show signs of dying out. Once that happens you should divide the grass to rejuvenate its growth. 

Fountain Grass (Pennisetum)

Fountain Grass earned its name from the way it falls like a fountain. The grass shoots straight up and the cascades down, giving it a really cool look. Because it grows in clumps and mounds, Fountain Grass is not invasive. It even gives growers tan, pink. or purple flowers from late summer through the fall.

There are several different types of fountain grass to choose from. Hameln, Redhead, and Burgundy Bunny garner the most attention from gardeners, and they’re our favorites as well!

While their intriguing look alone makes Fountain Grasses worthy of your garden, their ease of care serves as another major positive. They’re able to adapt to a wide variety of circumstances. Once your fountain grass is established, it doesn’t even need to be watered unless there is a drought. You can plant it in just about any soil, and in sun or light shade. Fountain Grass does prefer full sun, however, so if you have the option we suggest you plant it there.

Muhly Grass (Muhlbergia)

Muhly Grass, short for Muhlbergia, leap off the landscape with their pink and purple growth. The whimsical display of color they provide seems like something you could only find in a dream.

Pink Muhly Grass grows well in just about any type of soil. As this will be a centerpiece in your landscape, it’s recommended that you plant it in full sunlight in an area where everyone will be able to see it. Just be careful not to plant any too close together. About two feet of space between each should ensure that they don’t interfere with one another. Don’t be fooled by its wondrous appearance, this is one hardy type of ornamental grass. It can tolerate drought, flooding, and in conditions with low nutrients.

Monkey Grass (Liriope)

Liriope, also known as Monkey Grass, provides excellent ground cover and provides protection from weeds. Monkey Grass usually grows to about a foot tall, and have purple flowers in the late summer.

As with many other ornamental grasses, Liriope are incredibly hardy. You’d have to try to kill them to ruin these guys! They’re tolerant to drought, heat, and flooding. For best results, plant it in soil with good drainage. Most people use Monkey Grass as ground cover, but it can also be grown in containers.

Blue Fescue (Festuca)

The wiry Blue Fescue closes out this list of Ornamental Grasses. It’s a low maintenance evergreen that tolerates a wide range of conditions, and makes for a great plant for borders or containers.

The deep blue blades of the Blue Fescue offer excellent contrast in brighter gardens. Using Blue Fescue as a border against your other perennials will create an intriguing contrast. You do need to water the Blue Fescue in the summer, and it is recommended that you amend the area with compost before you plant.