Add ornamental grasses for fall and winter interestKelsie O’Keefe

- grasses are adaptable, so they can grow in most soil types- low maintenance - can be used in all areas of the garden for ground cover,- dried grasses have many decorative uses- provide year round interest- drought tolerant- attract bids, providing them with both shelter and food

Grasses can be integrated into any part of your garden. Most grasses are full sun to partial sun, and others are shade tolerant. They come in many heights, textures, and colors. Use them for groundcover, accents, structure, height, borders, foliage, drama, and some kind of interest all year round, but especially noticeable in the fall and winter.

Beyond pines the Midwest doesn’t have much for winter color and foliage. The winters are long and white. Grasses are a perfect way to break up the monotony and add a little something to your winter-white yard.

1. Acorus calamus, Sweet Flag

Though not a true grass, the term ornamental grasses generally includes close relatives. Their basal iris-like leaves are fragrant when crushed. Varieties can range from a low growing clump to 6 feet tall. They prefer full to partial sun, and wet soil. Zones 3-10

2. Alopecurus pratensis ‘Aureus’, Yellow Foxtail Grass

http://www.turf.uiuc.edu/teaching/NRES300/weed%20photo3/yell%20foxtail.gif

This grass has erect, green to grayish-blue, hairless leaves. They spread by rhyzomes, but are slow moving. Also helpful in the Midwest, this grass is deer resistant. Its maximum height is about 12 inches. Extremely hardy. Prefers full to partial sun. Zones 4-8

3. Andropogon gerardii, Big Bluestem

http://www.seedsavers.org/Sources/GetImage.axd?own=SS&imageid=2458

http://www.prairienursery.com/store/images/BigBluestem-sc.jpg

Big Bluestem, or Turkeyfoot (because of its flower head) is one of the hardier varieties of Andropogon. They grow in dense stands and have hairy blades that get a red tinge as they get age, and turn bronze in the fall. It can grow as tall as 10'. Native to the prairie, this grass stands up to high winds very well. Zones 4-7

4. Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ , Feather Reed Grass

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This 5’ tall grass moves gracefully in the breeze and stands up well to high winds. It does well in heavy clay soils. Its flowers are sterile, so it isn’t invasive. Karl Foerster is one of the most popular ornamental grasses. Prefers full sun, but can take some shade. Zones 4-9

5. Carex muskingumensis, Palm Sedge

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Carex aren’t true grasses. True grasses have hollow, cylindrical stems. ‘Sedges have edges’ or solid, triangular stems and spiky flower heads. Palm Sedge has thin, yellow margins on its 2'-3' long green leaves. It can handle drought, excessive moisture, sun and shade AND it’s not invasive. Zones 2-9

6. Helictotrichon sempervirens, Blue Oat Grass

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Helictotrichon has blue foliage, as the name implies, and can grow to about 2-3' tall. Looks great massed, but works equally well as an accent plant. It needs well-drained soil to survive through the winter, prefers full sun, and tolerates infertile soil. Zones 4-8

7. Hystrix patula, Bottlebrush Grass

http://www.grandmorainegrowers.ca/images/Elymus%20hystrix%20(Hystrix%20patula).jpg

A good choice for dry shade. The seedheads on this woodland grass have bottle brush floral spikes that persist into winter with an airy look. It can reach a height of 3'-5'. Zones 4-9

8. Miscanthus sinensis ‘Silberfeder’ , Silver Feather Maiden Grass

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Maiden Grass is graceful and delicate with large, showy flower heads and sturdy foliage. They seem to shimmer when hit by back lighting. Miscanthus like moist conditions, but are adaptable. They grow 6-8’ tall and 4’ wide, so give them a good space to spread their beauty. They prefer full to partial sun. Zones 4-9

9. Panicum virgatum, Switch Grass

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Switch Grass is a tough prairie native. They can get to about 4'-5' tall and grow in a columnar fashion, rather than out, like a fountain grass. Their true brilliance is seen in the fall when the grass turns from green to orange to red in a true show of color. Prefers partial shade. Zones 5-9

10. Sorghastrum nutans, Indian Grass

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Indian Grass tends to be quite tall, 6+ feet, but sturdy, with roots that can support its height. It has dusty bluish leaves until it turns rusty gold in the fall. It grows in most soil conditions, is extremely drought resistant, and prefers full sun to partial shade. It is however, an aggressive competitor so it shouldn’t be planted next to fragile flowers. Great vertical accent. Zones 3-9