#ProPlantTips, Best Plant Picks, Ornamental Grass Care, Perennial Care

#ProPlantTips: How to Plant Ornamental Grass!

Charlotte Weidner | February 14, 2026

Ornamental Grasses are gorgeous living columns of waving beauty and graceful texture that are a must-have element to any sunny landscape! These can be long-lived perennial grasses, so making sure they are planted correctly is a necessity to get them growing on the right foot!

Red Grass

Types of Ornamental Grass
When to Plant Ornamental Grasses
Site Selection
Planting Ornamental Grass
Planting 1-2-3's
Tips & Tricks
Gorgeous Ornamental Grass

Types of Ornamental Grass

Warm-season and cool-season grasses are divided depending on the temperatures they prefer to grow in. Warm-season grasses thrive once summer’s heat kicks in and can withstand higher temperatures and humidity, making them better suited for Southern climates. Cool-season grasses spring up first thing after the snows melt but may become dormant during the hottest months. Cool-season grasses can handle colder climates and snow-packed Northern winters with ease.

When to Plant Ornamental Grasses

Planting Ornamental Grass can be done in spring or fall (or any time during the growing season, as long as you can keep them well-watered through summer heat). Spring-planted grasses enjoy a full season to develop roots before freezing weather. Fall planting should happen 4-8 weeks before the first frost, giving roots time to settle. A light layer of straw, mulch, or hay can protect tender roots during the first winter.

Site Selection

Most Grasses love a sunny, well-drained location. A few can handle some shade, and some Red Switchgrasses and Sedges tolerate heavier or wetter soils. Container-grown grasses can be planted all season long if watering is monitored carefully.

Planting Ornamental Grass

Proper soil preparation and good drainage are key to successful planting. Because most grasses evolved in prairies, fast-draining soil is best for their longevity and health.

Sandy, loamy, loose soil with organic matter to retain moisture
Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
Consistent moisture at first: becomes drought-tolerant after establishment
Once-a-year pruning and fertilizing

Planting 1-2-3's

Unbox and inspect your new plants, keeping them shaded while preparing the site.
Hydrate the potted grasses by submerging them in water for an hour before planting. Drain in shade, never leave potted plants in full sun upon arrival!
Remove gently from pots, loosen or trim circling roots. Container-grown grasses can have many roots to untangle.
Place the plant so the top of the soil is level with the surrounding ground. Water thoroughly and refill the hole as needed.
Add Nature Hills Root Booster for long-term beneficial support.
Backfill with soil, firm gently, and water again to settle.
Top with 3–4 inches of mulch or compost.

That’s it! You’ve planted your Ornamental Grass! Space them according to mature width and monitor daily. Keep soil moist as roots develop. Use the “finger test”, if the soil feels dry, water; if moist, check again later. Frequent checks help the grass transition to self-sufficient watering once established.

Tips & Tricks

Plant grasses at the same depth as they were in their containers; too deep and the roots may rot. They don’t need much fertilizer; high-organic soil is preferred. Amend as needed while tilling and use only small amounts of general-purpose fertilizer.

Establishment & Maintenance

Once your grass is established (usually after the first year), water only during drought or dry seasonal transitions. Many Ornamental and Native Grasses are prized for their fall and winter interest, so don’t cut them down in the fall. Trim them back to 4–6 inches in early spring before new growth, rake debris, and sharpen tools often. Grass blades are tough on them!

Divide clumps every 3–5 years in spring or fall to maintain vigor. Taller grasses may need staking or bunding during storms or heavy snow, but when planted in full sun and sheltered from wind, they usually stand proud on their own.

Gorgeous Ornamental Grass

Tough, adaptable, and low-maintenance, Ornamental Grasses bring texture and movement to every landscape! Plant them right, and they’ll reward you for years to come.

Explore the full selection of Ornamental Grasses at Nature Hills and fill your garden with living architecture, rustling serenity, and effortless charm.

Happy Planting!

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Frequently Asked Questions

When to plant ornamental grass?

Ornamental grasses can be planted in spring or fall, with spring planting allowing a full growing season for root development before winter. Fall planting should occur 4-8 weeks before your first expected frost to give roots adequate time to establish. Container-grown grasses can be planted throughout the growing season as long as you maintain consistent watering during hot summer months. For best results, choose spring planting in northern climates and either season in milder regions.

How to plant ornamental grasses?

Plant ornamental grasses in spring or fall, ensuring 4-8 weeks before first frost for fall plantings. Choose a sunny location with well-draining, sandy-loamy soil amended with organic matter, as most grasses evolved in prairie conditions and require fast drainage for longevity. Dig the planting hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant at the same depth as the container. Water consistently during establishment, then reduce frequency as these grasses become drought tolerant once rooted.

When is the best time to plant ornamental grasses?

Ornamental grasses can be planted in spring or fall, with spring planting allowing a full growing season for root development before winter. If planting in fall, do so 4-8 weeks before your first expected frost to give roots time to establish. Container-grown grasses can be planted throughout the growing season as long as you maintain consistent watering during summer heat. For best results, apply a light layer of mulch around newly planted grasses to protect tender roots through their first winter.

How to grow ornamental grass?

Ornamental grasses thrive in full sun (6+ hours daily) and well-draining, sandy loamy soil amended with organic matter. Plant in spring for a full growing season or fall 4-8 weeks before first frost, ensuring consistent moisture during establishment. Most varieties prefer prairie-like conditions with fast-draining soil, though some sedges and red switchgrasses tolerate heavier, wetter soils. Choose warm-season grasses for Southern climates and cool-season varieties for Northern regions with harsh winters.

When to plant grasses?

Ornamental grasses can be planted in spring or fall, with spring planting allowing a full growing season for root development before winter. For fall planting, install grasses 4-8 weeks before your first expected frost to give roots adequate time to establish. Container-grown grasses can be planted throughout the growing season as long as you maintain consistent watering during summer heat. Choose spring for the best establishment success, especially in colder climates.

How to care for ornamental grass?

Ornamental grasses thrive in full sun (6+ hours daily) and well-draining, sandy loam soil with organic matter. Plant in spring for a full growing season or fall 4-8 weeks before first frost. Water consistently during establishment, then most grasses become drought tolerant once roots develop. Choose warm-season varieties for Southern climates and cool-season types for Northern winters with heavy snow.

How to grow ornamental grass from seed?

Q: How to grow ornamental grass from seed? Most ornamental grasses are easily grown from seed sown directly in prepared soil in spring after the last frost date. Scatter seeds over loose, well-draining soil in full sun and lightly rake to cover with 1/4 inch of soil. Keep soil consistently moist until germination occurs in 10-21 days, then gradually reduce watering as seedlings establish. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date for earlier transplants and stronger first-year growth.

Can you plant grasses in the fall?

Yes, you can plant ornamental grasses in fall with excellent results. Fall planting should be completed 4-8 weeks before your first expected frost to give the roots adequate time to establish. Apply a light layer of straw, mulch, or hay around newly planted grasses to protect tender roots during their first winter. Choose container-grown grasses and ensure consistent watering until the ground freezes.

Are ornamental grasses perennials?

Yes, ornamental grasses are typically long-lived perennials that return year after year when planted in appropriate zones. They're categorized as either warm-season grasses (thriving in Southern climates with high heat and humidity) or cool-season grasses (better suited for Northern regions with cold winters and snow). Cool-season varieties emerge first after snow melts but may go dormant in extreme summer heat, while warm-season types flourish once summer temperatures rise. Plant them in spring for a full growing season or in fall 4-8 weeks before first frost to establish strong root systems.

What USDA hardiness zones are best for ornamental grasses?

Most ornamental grasses thrive in USDA hardiness zones 3-9, though specific varieties have different requirements. Cool-season grasses like feather reed grass and fescues perform best in zones 4-8, while warm-season varieties such as fountain grass and pampas grass flourish in zones 5-10. Tropical ornamental grasses typically require zones 8-11 for year-round survival. Check the specific zone requirements for your chosen grass variety and select species that can handle your local winter temperatures for reliable perennial performance.