An Ornamental Grass >>>download photo
	November Gardening Tips
	Here are some gardening tips from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture for November. >>>read the article

by Dr. Susan Hamilton

Looking for a plant that will add beauty, movement and sound to your landscape?

Ornamental grasses can serve all these functions. This large group of plants includes true grasses (Gramineae) and their close relatives, sedges (Cyperaceae), rushes (Juncaceae) and bamboos.

Ornamental grasses vary in size, shape, color and texture in both foliage and inflorescence (seed head). Mature plants range in height from six inches to more than 14 feet. Grass forms vary from low mounding and fountain shaped to tall vertical. Foliage color includes shades of green, yellow, blue, red, brown and variegated. Texture varies from fine to coarse, and blade width ranges from one-eight to one-half inch. Their plumes add life to a winter scene otherwise devoid of foliage.

In a border, grasses can serve as edge or background plants. Larger specimens are best used as accent plants or screens. Rhizome or stolon-forming grasses can stabilize banks or serve as a ground cover. Ornamental grasses make nice transitional elements between different areas of a landscape. Smaller species and cultivars are suitable for container gardening.

Grasses add movement and sound to your landscape. They provide a great surface to catch the wind, and their motion makes a rustling sound.

Ornamental grasses are easy to grow. Most prefer full sun to part shade and will thrive in any soil that drains well. Plant annual ornamental grasses in the spring after any chance of frost. Perennial grasses can be planted spring or fall, but spring is the best time to fertilize. This is especially true for perennials because spring is when they break their dormancy and need a boost of nutrients. When planting grasses, keep them level with the soil surface or slightly raised. For those not tolerant of moisture, be careful to avoid overwatering, which encourages root diseases.

Grasses require little maintenance. The biggest chore is cutting them back. Most warm-season grasses set plumage in late summer and many remain attractive through the winter months, so spring the ideal time to cut them back. Cool-season grasses set their plumage in early summer and most benefit by being cut back soon after their plumes wither and fade.

Another chore involved with large, perennial species is keeping the grass from getting too large and top heavy. This can lead to lodging (falling over). To prevent lodging, divide and reduce the size of such grasses. This can be a big job, but it's recommended every 3 to 5 years.

Types and varieties of ornamental grasses abound. Many are available from local nurseries. Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis) is one of the best and most heat-tolerant perennial grass for Tennessee. Native to China and Japan, this group includes more than 40 cultivars and varieties. Small- and large-growing selections are available, as are those that are fine or
coarse in texture. Many variegated forms are available as well.

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Dr. Susan Hamilton is an associate professor of ornamental horticulture in the University of Tennessee Department of Plant Sciences and director of the UT Gardens. The UT Gardens are located on Neyland Drive in Knoxville. They are open seven days a week during daylight hours, and many ornamental grasses are on display.