Ornamental grasses can be a wonderful addition to almost any garden or landscape. Thanks to their structural qualities, ability to add graceful movement to a garden, and their colorful and variegated leaf forms, these plants have so much to offer.
Grasses have the same basic requirements as other garden plants: appropriate light, well-drained soil, an adequate water supply and periodic trimming. They should be planted the same way you would plant any perennial or shrub: Choose a location with adequate light for the needs of the plant, loosen the soil, don’t bury the crown and water well. The following tips should help keep your ornamental grasses thriving in your garden: Soil and FertilizerAmendments and fertilizers are not usually necessary. If either is added, they may stimulate the grass to grow too fast and the plant will fall over. WateringGrasses native to Mediterranean climates (such as ruby grass, autumn moor grass, giant needle grass and all the California native grasses) need extra watering only in their first year to help them get established. Once they are, supplemental watering during dry periods of winter is helpful and would be all that’s needed. Grasses from other regions (such as Calamagrostis, Miscanthus and Muhlenbergia) benefit from occasional watering – especially during hot, dry periods – for their entire garden life. When watering such grasses, water thoroughly and infrequently – probably not more than once a week.
MulchYour grass plantings should be mulched to help conserve water and prevent weed growth. As organic mulches decompose, they’ll release an adequate supply of nutrients for most grasses.
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