Ornamental grasses can please the eye all year round. In summer their bushy flowers shoot up, in autumn their stalks shine golden yellow and in winter the plants are covered in hoarfrost or snowflakes and glitter in the sunlight. But how are they planted correctly?
How do you plant ornamental grasses correctly?
To plant ornamental grasses correctly, choose a planting time between February and March, a partially shaded or sunny location, deep, well-drained soil and plant them next to suitable planting partners such as perennials or flowers. Water moderately to avoid waterlogging.
When is it time to plant ornamental grasses?
Ornamental grasses are best planted in early spring. That means between February and March. If you plant them in autumn, you should provide them with winter protection. They need a few months until they are properly rooted and can tolerate frost.
Which location is suitable for ornamental grasses?
Most ornamental grasses grow easily in partial shade. The giant sedge and the Japanese sedge, for example, are considered shade-tolerant. These species are grateful for full sun locations:
- Pennisetum grass
- miscanthus
- Silver Eargrass
- Pampas grass
- Riding grass
- Switchgrass
What other plants do ornamental grasses look good next to?
Ornamental grasses that are in the perennial bed often appear even more magnificently next to other plants. Suitable planting partners include:
- Sun Bride
- Autumn Cranesbill
- Bigleaf Phlox
- Indian nettle
- Aster
- Bluestarbush
- Purple East
- Autumn Chrysanthemum
- Sunflower
- Marguerite
- Water Dost
- Sweet Thistle
- Daylily
- Dahlia
What should the substrate be like?
Most ornamental grasses need a deep substrate. The soil should be permeable to well-drained, as waterlogging is its deadly enemy. Sandy, gravelly or stony soils with a moderate nutrient content are well suited. The soil should be kept slightly moist and not dry out in the long term.
When do ornamental grasses bloom?
Most ornamental grasses bloom in midsummer between July and September. There are some species that rely on a lot of heat. Only then do they feel stimulated to bloom. They don't show their flowers every year, but only when it's really hot in July/August.
How can ornamental grasses be propagated?
You can propagate your well-maintained ornamental grass either in spring or autumn, although spring is preferable. The majority of ornamental grasses can be easily propagated by division. Sowing is less recommended as it is more time-consuming.
Tip
Plant your ornamental grass in a place protected from the wind so that the blades do not bend in the wind!
