It's best to do this before the plant's active growth cycle starts, so that's in early spring for cool season grasses and in late spring for warm season grasses. The best time for planting perennial grasses is in the spring or fall. Ornamental grasses grow in clumps or bunches alongside perennials and trees and can be used to create privacy, a wind barrier or a textured backdrop. This understanding will lead to better use of these plants and often avoid disappointment or frustration. Sparkling in the morning dew with its large arrow-like flower heads pointing towards the sky, Reed Grass (Calamagrostis brachytricha) is a majestic and distinct ornamental grass, highly valued for its erect feathery silvery gray flower plumes, slightly red tinged, and turning to gold then light tan as the seeds ripen in the fall and winter. Container-grown ornamental grasses are also much easier to divide. In landscape design, muhly grass looks best in large or mass clumps in perennial borders or native gardens, where its wispy pink blooms offer a lot of visual impact. Grasses are versatile, and can add both privacy, and a wonderful texture to your garden. The downside is that when you grow grasses in containers, they are less hardy—generally by about two hardiness zones. If you have ornamental grasses in your yard, you may need to cut them down so they will grow back next year. Can you grow ornamental grasses from seeds? While some grasses take time to form full-sized clumps, fast … For example, an ornamental grass rated for USDA hardiness zone 5 when planted in the ground typically is hardy only to zone 7 when planted in a pot. Understanding Ornamental Grasses. Some warm-season grasses will do better if planted in the spring to allow the growing season to establish a good root system prior to winter. This ornamental grass is admired for its fall- and winter-blooming pink flowers or featherlike plumes. Replant the pieces elsewhere. Ornamental grasses complement almost any garden theme, adding height, movement, and texture all season long. Ornamental grasses are the hot-rods of landscaping. https://www.finegardening.com/article/ornamental-grasses-in-the-fall 1. Gorgeous ornamental grasses add movement, color and texture to gardens made in the shade or sun. It can tolerate drought conditions but does well with weekly watering during hot summers. Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana) With foot-long feathery inflorescence, pampas is probably the best option if you are looking to plant something to provide you a little privacy. The best time of year to trim ornamental grasses varies depending on the type of grass … Choose a site with well-drained soil and full sun (many grasses need at least six hours of direct sunlight every day). Grasses respond and start to grow based upon temperature. 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