Ornamental Grass Types

Are you distressed because your garden is not as blooming and beautiful as you want it to be? Well, then if you want to keep your garden green as ever, then may be you could try planting ornamental grass in your garden. They add color and beauty to your garden and basically have an aesthetic purpose and are fast gaining popularity when it comes to gardening. Most often they are grown for flowers and for their unique color. It is a landscaping connoisseur's delight and any person who has an appreciation for plants. Amongst these, there are many ornamental grass types, the most common and popular is bamboo and pampas. Hence, take a look at other ornamental grass varieties in case you are thinking of having them in your garden.

Types of Ornamental Grasses

Warm Season Ornamental Grasses
Warm season ornamental grass refers to that type which flourishes in warm weather. Unless the weather is warm, it would not grow well. The grass varieties in the category are:

Miscanthus: This grass can flaunt its flowers, but only in warm climates. It is one of the clump forming grasses and is generally perennial. This specification, miscanthus actually applies to a wide range of grasses varying in height and blade width.

Fountain Grass: Another clump forming grass, fountain grass have pretty flowers. Further, they appear like the tail of a fox. Some of these grasses tend to be weedy, when you travel south of Rhode Island.

Switch Grass: This is a perennial warm season grass, which begins to grow well in late spring. It is seeds take on a pink or dull purple tinge when ripe. On the other hand, the foliage turns golden brown during fall. One of the species of this ornamental grass also has blue foliage. This grass appears dramatic and eye-catching with flower gardens.

Purple Moor Grass: It grows into a nice little green mound with lovely bright green foliage. Its flower stalks stand around 5 to 8 feet high and fan out a little from the center. Acidic soils, well drained sites and full sunlight is the perfect recipe for the growth of this grass.

Cool Season Ornamental Grasses
These types of ornamental grass grow well at the anvil of spring and cooler climates and get dormant at the initial signs of warm weather.

Fescue: Fescue is a darling of all amongst the ornamental grasses. This is one of those ornamental grass types which loves cool weather. This is again those clump forming types of grass. It has a unique silvery blue shade. It goes great in tandem with other colorful flowers and perennials. This would look even better when planted in a rock garden or as a border around other plants.

Blue Oat Grass: A native to Central Europe this grass is pale green with a tinge of blue. It grows in an arching shrub shape and is evergreen, retaining its color through winter. This is also, as the earlier ones, a clump forming grass.

Feather Reed Grass: This species blooms with a reddish white color and the blades are compact and narrow.

Ribbon Grass: This grass prefers a cooler climate and grows where nothing else seems to flourish. These are believed to be very invasive except for a couple of species like Picata and Feesey's form. Planting this ornamental plant in the shade will result in a subdued invasive growth of these plants. It has white flowers and they bloom between June and October.

Northern Sea Oats: This is a perennial plant with narrow and upright blades. In winter, the seed heads turn tan, brown or bronze and this along with a similar colored foliage is a great sight. It is best grown in partial shade and flowering occurs from June to September.

These were the most common types of ornamental grasses. In addition to that, there is the ever accessible all pervasive bamboo amongst these houseplants. Apart from these, there are a couple of other categories in which you can classify these grasses. These categories are:

• Ornamental Grasses for Dry Sites: These are in the areas which have scanty rainfall and negligible irrigation.
• Running Ornamental Grasses: These have rhizomes or runners underground which contribute to its expanse. These are great for mass plantation or ground covers.
• Grasses for Moist Sites: Some areas receive adequate rainfall and present here are some types of grass which grow well in such weather.

For more information on ornamental grass and plants, you can also refer to ornamental grass varieties.

Quite a few of these above mentioned ornamental grasses can be categorized according to these factors as well. But then that would be too technical. Who cares about the irrigation and water content and type of the soil! However, while buying these various types of ornamental grasses, you have to consider your climate, if not anything else. Finally, what makes your garden or landscape look different and refreshing is what matters. So go for those ornamental grass types which fit the bill.

All the Best!