Growing Ornamental Grasses of All Different Heights

Ornamental Grasses: an Introduction
Need an introduction to growing ornamental grasses? Here's a good place to begin. After broaching a few design considerations, this article is organized according to all the different heights of the ornamental grasses, and you'll find a few examples not mentioned on the present page.

Growing Ornamental Grasses for the Winter Landscape
Ornamental grasses add much to our landscapes, year round. But I feel that they really "hit their stride," ironically, when they're "dead." That's right: the texture that ornamental grasses provide to winter landscapes is precious, at a time of year when our yards lack visual interest. The pictures in this photo gallery will reveal what I mean.

Maiden Grass
Maiden grass is one of those plants you will always want to grow, once you try it. For one thing, the size of Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus' is such that you just can't miss it in the yard, regardless of where you're growing it. But I take you a step further here, suggesting specific places to grow it so as to set it off for optimal...

Blue Fescue Grass
At the other end of the height spectrum from maiden grass is blue fescue (Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue'). This is a short ornamental grass. The name says it all regarding the main attraction in growing it: its blue color. These plants need to be divided every so often to rejuvenate them.

Purple Fountain Grass
Purple fountain grass (used as an annual in zones colder than zone 9) falls somewhere between maiden grass and blue fescue in terms of height, although it's closer in height to the former. Short-lived or not for you Northerners, its beauty will soon earn this ornamental grass favored status in your yard. Learn all about purple fountain grass,...

Bamboo Plants FAQ
Although not usually thought of as "ornamental grasses," bamboo plants are, in fact, in the grass family. This FAQ on bamboos provides an introduction on the subject, plus the true facts about impostors such as lucky bamboos and heavenly bamboos.

Golden Hakone Grass
Not many ornamental grasses thrive in the shade; Japanese forest grass is one of them. But there's more to recommend the plant than this fact, as I explain in my introductory piece.

Zebra Grass
Zebra grass has striped leaves, giving this ornamental grass its colorful name. But this plant isn't just about looks. Learn about some of the practical features zebra grass offers.