Tall Ornamental Grasses

Tall grasses are very popular and there has been an explosion of interest in them for landscape use. These ornamental grasses can fit into almost any garden design, and add height, movement, and long season color to the landscape. Most large grasses are fast-growing and you can see great results in one season; some even reach anywhere from 10 to 30 feet in height. These tall ornamental grasses can be used for privacy hedges or focal points. Large grasses are easily grown in full sun to part shade, and they are tolerant of a wide range of soils, from well-drained sandy soils to the heavy clay.

Grasses can be classified as cool season, warm season, or evergreen. If you choose cool season grasses, they will have their growth spurts in early spring, while warm grasses depend on warmer weather, in mid to late spring and do their best in the summer's hot weather. Evergreen grasses are grass-like, but not a grass, such as the sedges and carex varieties. Dividing grasses is one way to increase the number of plants, and an occasional division will help grasses remain active and growing. To create a beautiful and colorful garden, try planting roses near large grasses.