Grasses in the Home Landscape

If you have no space for a large tree in your small yard, consider another plant possibility: ornamental grasses.

Grasses can be a "mood" plant, providing movement and sound, lovely flowers, size, versatility, low water requirements, long standing interest and low maintenance. Most grasses bloom, providing flowers that are wonderfully delicate and airy. Grass blossoms also are great for drying and arranging.

The capacity of grasses to bend, but not break, is a plus in the home landscape, considering the furious winds Front Range residents often face. And, on our increasingly small lots, ornamental grasses can be an answer when, for lack of space, trees are not. As yards continue to shrink, even a medium shrub often is too large.

You can plant ornamental grasses as a backdrop, a point of interest, a screen or as a hedge. Smaller-sized species serve well as a ground cover. When first planted, grasses require moderate amounts of water; once established, most species will require less.

They also require only moderate maintenance. Most grasses are in good form during nine months of the year -- not dreary after their flowers bloom. In the early spring, you'll need to comb out dead growth and cut grasses back to the ground.

Here are three grasses to consider for your yard:

Maiden Grass

Maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus') is a large clump-forming grass that grows to at least 5 feet tall and as wide at the top. Its fountain shape and bright green color work well in nearly any location. Maiden grass is a warm-season grass, meaning it will grow in the heat of summer; it flowers in August and September.

Although suggested for a stream or pool side, once established, it easily can endure a medium-to-low water environment. This grass needs sun to stay erect. It begins its growth in May and June and reaches full height by mid-July. As summer nears its end, its flowers rise above its leaves

Maiden grass bleaches to a light almond in fall and winter and will stand until it is cut to near the ground in early spring. You can divide this grass in spring by slicing the root system into sections and replanting. Dividing a parent plant into thirds creates a good size plant that quickly regains its form.

Blue Oat Grass

Blue oat grass, sometimes called blue avena grass, (Helictotrichon sempervirens) is semi-blue, often remaining blue-green until winter. It loves the sun, but tolerates some light shade. This is a cool-season clump grass in the form of a large pincushion 2 to 3 feet across and about 2 feet high. Blue oat is a bit prickly, a good attribute if you need to keep the deer away.

A low-water user, this grass requires good drainage in clay soils. Its bluish-white flowers arrive in early summer, reaching a good 24 inches above the grass blades. Care of this grass consists of combing out dead blades as new growth begins each spring.

Ribbon Grass or Gardener's Garters

Ribbon grass or Gardener's garters - (Phalaris arundinecea) is a warm-season "running grass," which means it's invasive. Happily, clay soils, only slightly amended, slow it to a controllable rate. Consider planting it in an area surrounded by pavement, where it can fill in and create a lovely mass.

The blades of this grass are variegated creamy white and green, which gives it a fresh look that can be renewed by shearing back. Standing just above knee high, ribbon grass prefers moist areas and stream sides. If it can get sun for half a day, ribbon grass grows well with little irrigation on north sides of the house, on a slope or under an eve.

This grass bleaches beige at first frost and can remain attractive for a short while, but it usually is flattened by the wind and snow. It does, however, make a good ground cover until early spring, when it can be cut and raked before new growth begins.

For more information on Gardening, contact your local Colorado State University Extension office.