There are many families, species and varieties of grass suitable for ornamental purposes. Wether you want a prairie grass-scape, a potted plant or a focal point in a formal garden then there is a grass to suit. Grasses are well suited to a range of landscaping projects.

The Fescue, Pennisetum, Panticum, Carex, Miscathus, Stipa and many other species are covered below. A recommended variety is given where ever possible along with shore notes. Grasses are perennial unless stated to be annuals.

 

Gardeners Tips Recommended Varieties

Blue Fescue (Festuca ovinia var. glauca) are mound-forming, semi-evergreen perennials used as specimen plants in borders and rock gardens.

 

Miscanthus sinesis ‘Ferner Osten’

Compact fine leaved dark red flowering heads that arch well above the foliage Turns orange in autumn deciduous ht 4-6ft fertile soil full sun

M. ‘ Morning Light’

Narrow leaves create a fountain like effect – like a moist soil

M. ‘Zebrinus’

Imposing Zebra grass lends a strong vertical accent to a pot of lower growing plants like Heuchera

Carex comans ‘Frosted Curls’

A small tufty grass that grows well in a large pot. Mulch with pebbles for a natural effect.

C. Flagellifera

A reliable perennial grass with a fountain of bronzy leaves. 3ft

Panticum virgatum

Clouds of small red flowers with red tipped or heavy metal has grey/blue leaves

Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’

A dwarf fountain grass that develops round mounds of dark gree foliage. In late summer it flowers with masses of fluffy catkins. Foliage turns golden in Autumn. Sunny well drained spot 2-3ft

P. setaceum ‘Rubrum’

A purple fountain grass with graceful arching stems and red tailed flowers. Not very hardy so grow in a pot and keep in a clod greenhouse over winter

Molinia Careulea aurundinacea

Tall and airy good for acid soils the grass is green until it turns yellow in autumn

Stipa gigantea

Golden oat grass produces clumps of narroe tough leaves with golden airy flower heads. Try ‘Golden Fontaene’ for showy heads in May. 6ft

Calamagrostis brachytricha

Feather read grass with purple flowerheads fading to beige. Flexible location 4-5ft

Eragrotis curvula ‘Totnes Burgundy’

The name says a lot about the soft green mounds maturing to burgundy. Suitable for a pot and slightly tender.

Chasmanthium latifolium

Suitable for bold broad planting or some light shade it produces pendant seed heads which catch the breeze. 3ft in moist soil

Hakonechola macra Aureola

A small herbaceous grass that can be used for ground cover with bright variegated white and green leaves. 1ft – most situations

Festuca glaca ‘Elijah Blue’

A spiky blue leaved grass with a loose habit. Grown for foliage 2ft Divide frequently and water in dry weather to avoid browning of the leaves.

Agrostis nebulosa – Cloud Grass

This annual is graceful when dried forming delicate tufts about 15 inches high, and is useful for rooms. If cut shortly before the seed ripens and dried in the shade, it will keep for a long time. Also looks good in a group of tall pots.

Deschampsia Cespitosa

A non-flowering tufted hair grass with cream white and pink variegated leaves. An example is ‘Northern Lights’ likes a moist situation.