How to make use of the aesthetic appeal of ornamental grass

Ornamental grasses add texture to your garden, but they can provide additional value in enticing precious pollinators. Discover the different varieties of ornamental grasses to add to your garden.

Ornamental grasses for your garden

Ornamental grasses are an excellent choice because they are hardy and easy to care for. When choosing ornamental grasses for your garden, it is important to consider the needs of the pollinators you are trying to attract. When planting ornamental grass in your garden, be mindful of the amount of sunlight they receive as some grasses prefer full sun while others prefer partial shade.

Tufted Hairgrass

Many types of ornamental grasses thrive in dry, sunny locations. However, gardeners with shady gardens often prefer the hair grass, as it is well-suited for those conditions. The tufted ornamental hair grass is particularly ideal for shady and partially sunny areas in cool to temperate climates.

This elegant grass grows in mound-shaped clumps and produces flowers with feathery panicles and hairy seed heads, making it perfect for attracting pollinators.

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Switchgrass

Switchgrass shelters numerous pollinators and provides a food source for native birds. There are several switchgrass varieties, and its high tolerance for different planting sites makes the switchgrass a great choice for any landscape garden. Providing height, flow, and drama, planting switchgrass adds it all to your garden.

The Sorghastrum nutans

Commonly known as Indian grass, this warm-season perennial grass typically grows in prairies. It features tall, broad blue-green blades and soft, golden-brown seed heads. Like many prairie plants, Indian grass thrives in the warm season, blooming from late summer to early autumn with striking feathery flower panicles.

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Feather reed grass

These feathery bronze grasses have spikes that create texture and movement in any landscape, providing multi-seasonal interest in your garden. This standard feather reed grass plant is often used in garden spaces for its toughness and reliability. Very tolerant of heat and hardy. The best part about reed grass is the ability to grow in most regions, as long as you provide ample sunlight to sometimes partial shade.

By choosing the right ornamental grass to grow you are providing a sustainable habitat for wildlife that may find your garden visually appealing.

ALSO SEE: CREATE A GREEN HAVEN WITH ORNAMENTAL HOUSEPLANTS