Growing
Ornamental Grasses
Grasses can be found in the polar regions to the hottest
deserts on the planet. Surely there is a place for them in your garden.
On the other end of the maintenance spectrum from the stuff you find
yourself mowing every weekend, ornamental grasses will reward throughout
the year with very little attention.
Ranging is size for less than a foot to over 10 feet, grasses play many
roles from architectural element to backdrop for colorful flowers to the
plant that will grow in that horrible soil on the washed out hillside.
They provide interest all season - from the deep greens of spring and
summer to the subtle bronze and reds of autumn. Left to stand through
the winter, they provide a focal point in the winter landscape as well
as food and protection for wildlife. Plus dried grasses make great
additions to winter bouquets and arrangements.
Our grasses are listed under their genus or go to
"By Type/Grasses"
and find an entire listing.
Planting and
Cultural Requirements
Although a few tolerate shade, most grasses require full sun.
Some grasses or grass-like plants tolerate wet soils, but more require a
well-drained soil. In compacted soils, the root systems of these typically drought-tolerant plants will not develop. Incorporate organic matter into the
root zone to improve water-holding capacity and oxygen levels. If watered regularly, you can plant container grown ornamental
grasses throughout the summer. Plant bare roots or divisions in the spring.
Until a mature root system develops, newly planted grasses require a moist root
zone. Only a mature root system can extract sufficient water to maintain itself
during drought periods. Be careful not to over water.
Pay particular attention to the final size of the variety you
are planting. Though true in all planting, ornamental grasses can surprise you
as to just how big they get. They not only often have a wide girth but also arch
or droop outward expanding their area of influence even further.
Maintenance
In contrast to other flowering perennials, ornamental grasses
require minimum maintenance and most species are both insect and disease
resistant. However, improperly sited plants may become diseased because of poor
air movement, high nitrogen soils or inadequate light.
Plant division depends on the spacing and visual appearance you desire and
your need for additional plants - it is seldom necessary for the health of the
plant. If the center of the clump shows little or no
growth, the plant should be divided. Separate and replant the vigorous growth on
the outer edge of the clump and discard the center section. In general,
fall planting and division is discouraged.
Fertilization
Before you plant in a new site, test the soil. If your soil
needs phosphorous, potassium, calcium or sulfur, incorporate them thoroughly
into the future root zone before planting. These nutrients move into
the root zone very slowly if applied only to the soil surface. Micronutrient deficiencies
vary geographically. Check with county extension staff for guidelines in your
area.
Use foliar appearance as a guide to nitrogen requirements. To
prevent lodging, flopping or the need for staking, keep soil nitrogen levels
low. However, if the leaf blade isn't a normal green color, nitrogen or a
micronutrient may be needed. Unsatisfactory foliar color could also indicate low
soil oxygen levels, inadequate drainage or excess watering.
Winter Preparation
Adapted ornamental grasses don't require winter mulch. Leaving
the foliage on the plant provides some protection from crown tissue (the part of
the grass plant near soil line) desiccation. Fall planted grasses and less hardy
grasses may require additional mulching.
Preparation for Growing Season
In early spring before new growth begins, remove the previous
year's foliage. You can use hand clippers or a mechanical weed whip. Your choice
depends on the toughness of the foliage, as well as the number of ornamental
grasses you manage. Do not cut flush with the ground. It is best to leave about
6" of old growth. Grasses will begin growing earlier if foliage is removed.
Also, the plant is more attractive when dead foliage is not interspersed with
living tissue.
|
