Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses are as low maintenance plans as one can get. Whether planted in large groupings, plant hedges, or tossed into the landscape for texture and color, they make great focal points as well as accent plants such as mondo grass or maiden grass.
Visit BBC Gardener's World to learn how to cut back grasses in early spring.
While most ornamental grasses prefer at least 6 hours of sun a day, some are more flexible and will get by on less. Medium growing grasses like the Hameln Grass, Karl Foerster Grass or Karley Rose Grass can be spaced 18 to 24 inches apart. Small ornamental grasses like the Acorus Ogon, Black Mondo Grass and Prairie Dropseed grass can be planted much closer, even spacing 4 to 8 inches apart. The taller varieties such as the Miscanthus Adagio, Miscanthus Gracillimus, and the Miscanthus Morning Light can be spaced anywhere from 2.5 to 3 feet apart.
Plant ornamental grasses in holes that are as deep as their original containers. Add aged manure or compost at planting and put down a thick layer of mulch in fall. Monitor the grasses with a close eye of the first few weeks. Check them daily. If the soil at the base of the clumps is dry, water them. One long dry day can cause them to die at this early stage. Depending on the environment and weather, they may need to be watered daily or every other day during this time. Each situation will be different, so you will need to use your own judgment on this. The soil about 3 inches down should be cool and moist around the plant. Once they are established, about a month, then water weekly throughout the first growing season. After one year, they require little watering.
