Ornamental grasses make fantastic landscaping plants in the Pike Peak Region. They are cut back in the spring and left unpruned for the rest of the year to showcase the beauty of their full growth, unlike lawn grasses which are mowed regularly.
In the early part of the growing season, they create an unassuming green backdrop for spring and summer bloomers. By September, they can grow to be several feet tall, with rich leaf colors and beautiful seedheads.
Here are four reasons to consider planting them in your yard.
- Autumn and winter interest. While most landscape plants are leafless and brown from November to April, ornamental grasses can be left standing throughout winter. Even though their leaves dry out in fall as they go dormant, their blonde, orange, and red tones persist for several months. Topped by attractive seedheads, they create beauty when backlit by sunshine and movement when rustled by gentle winds.
- Low maintenance. While shrubs need regular pruning, ornamental grasses are simple to maintain. Simply cut them back to ground level in March each year. They’ll regrow from the plant’s crown. If you notice a bare spot in the center of the grass, dig them up after cutting them back in spring, then divide and replant them after discarding the dead middle. Most grasses need to be divided once every three to ten years.
- Deer-resistant. Deer prefer to browse on bushes and broadleaf plants, not grasses. While they have no problem munching your favorite poppies or rose bushes, they’ll leave most ornamental grasses alone. If you live in an area with many deer, consider using ornamental grasses in places you’d normally plant shrubs. By using a variety of grasses, you can create a beautiful, layered look with a variety of colors and textures. You’ll create curb appeal without feeding the local herd.
- Water-wise. Ornamental grasses can be watered once per week and look fantastic. Some of our favorite types include Blonde Ambition blue grama grass, Undaunted Ruby Muhly, little bluestem, and switchgrass. We feature dozens of water-wise grasses at our Demonstration Garden.
If you’d like to add ornamental grasses to your landscape, plant them anytime between May and the end of September. If you install them this fall, be sure to hand water them monthly over the winter to ensure they come back next year.
Visit csu.org for more water wise landscape resources and irrigation rebates.