Ornamental grasses are one of the most requested plants by our clients to use in designing a garden’s landscape. They look beautiful no matter the garden theme or time of year. There’s so many to choose from and they all provide the same benefits…They lend height, movement, and long season color to any landscape which is what makes them a popular choice.
Two of the most common questions we receive from our clients when it comes to ornamental grass is:
- What types of ornamental grass should we plant?
- Do I need to trim my grass back and if so when?
Grasses are generally classified as cool season, warm season, or evergreen. Each has their own types of rules to follow to satisfy their needs and keep them looking great all year round.
Types of ornamental grass:
Cool-season grasses put on most of their growth in spring before temperatures begin exceeding 75 degrees Fahrenheit and in the fall when temperatures cool down. They generally maintain good color through the summer but won’t grow much when it is hot.
Warm-season grasses won’t start growing until mid to late spring or even early summer. Their major growth and flowering happens when the weather is hot. They will usually turn shades of brown for the winter.
Evergreen grasses are usually plants that look like grasses but aren’t actually classified as grasses. Contradicting isn’t it?! They are plants that are grass like, but not grass and it’s actually a bush. In the end, they all look like grass, but evergreen will stay green and colorful or vibrant all year long.
When to trim and how:
Cut back warm-season grasses in fall or by mid to late spring.
Warm-season grasses turn shades of brown as the weather turns colder. Once your warm-season grasses turn brown you can trim them back at almost any time. If you like to tidy your garden in fall or if you live in an area where fire can be problematic, trim warm-season grasses so they are just a few inches tall. If you live in an area where fire generally isn’t a problem you can leave the dried grasses and seed heads in your garden for winter interest. Snow or ice encrusted ornamental grasses can be quite beautiful. If you leave the trimming until spring try to make sure to cut them back to the ground (you can leave a couple of inches) by late spring, before new growth begins. Not all ornamental grasses look good through the winter, trim back those that don’t look good in the fall.
Cut back cool-season grasses in very early spring.
Cool-season grasses tend to look good even as the weather cools. Leave their foliage in place until spring and then as soon as the snow is gone, cut them back. Leave about 1/3 of the plant in place. Trimming cool-season grasses too harshly can irreparably harm the plant.
First, find a good pair of gloves, thick leather gloves are probably best. Some ornamental grasses can have very sharp edges. For smaller grasses a pair of pruning shears will probably be sufficient. Trim about 2/3 of the plant for cool-season grasses. For many grasses it is easier to tie the grass in a bundle before trimming, this makes cleaning up a snap.
Looking for advice when it comes to planting the perfect type of ornamental grass to go with your landscape? Look no further. We got you! Stoney Acres is happy to help you get your yard looking its very best. Call us today for a free quote!