Ornamental grasses for North Carolina

Department of Horticultural Science Horticulture Information Leaflet 8605 Revised 6/97 - Author Reviewed 4/99 ORNAMENTAL GRASSES FOR NORTH CAROLINA M. A. (Kim) Powell, Extension Horticultural Specialist Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating. Ornamental grasses are becoming quite popular for North Carolina landscapes. Designers and gardeners realize the fine accent and architectural effect this group of plants contributes to a garden. As one applies the principles of good design - repetition, variety, balance, emphasis, sequence, and scale - along with the design qualities of color, texture, line and form, one appreciates the many uses and functions of ornamental grasses. (The term “ornamental grass” is really a catch¬ all term used to describe all grasslike plants. These would include sedges, reeds, rushes, and a wide host of others.) Most ornamental grasses would be described as having graceful, arching foliage, several species being variegated. Seasonal interest is accomplished from spring “green- up” through the summer, with rich autumn colors in the fall and winter. The flower plumes on several species can be spectacular, giving interest for outdoor scale or dried and used indoors. Ornamental grasses are highly resistant to insect and disease problems, tolerant to heat and drought, and require little or no pruning. Two important requirements are full sun and well-drained soil. Ornamental grass species grow to various sizes, some growing to 10 to 15 feet while others are considered dwarf plants used as ground covers. Ornamental grasses have several uses as functional landscape plants. When combined with a few evergreen shrubs, Pampas Grass (' Cortaderia selloana), Zebragrass ( Miscanthus sinensis zebrinus), or Feather Reed Grass ( Calamagrostisa cutiflora stricta) can create an excellent screen for privacy. Most ornamental grasses can stand alone when used as an accent plant or focal point, especially when plumes of several species are abundant. Blue Fescue ( Festuca ovina glauca) with its blue-green foliage and fine texture is excellent as a ground cover in a small area. A favorite for eastern North Carolina on slopes or eroded areas is Weeping Lovegrass ( Eragrostis curvula). The following is a listing of several grasses with a brief description of form and habit: Briza Media (Quaking Grass) - Grows 2 to 3 feet tall, spring bloomer, clump type best in full sun, hardy to zone 4. Calamagrostisa cutiflora stricta (Feather Reed Grass) - Grows 4 to 5 feet tall, used in small gardens, blooms late June through September, grows in full sun, hardy zones 5 through 7. North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service NORTHCAROLINASTATEUNIVERSITY COLLEGEOF AGRICULTURE &LIFESCIENCES