Decorative grasses are amazing. They are attractive and they are fit to decorate both your indoors and outdoors. Many balconies, patios, yards are decorated with ornamental grasses. Decorative grasses are very coveted. They are charming to the eyes and they are easy to grow and care for.
However, before giving you the list of the most decorative grasses, we will give you some tips on how to care for them. First of all, you should keep in mind that decorative grasses are grown in containers. You can grow them in your garden but that is not a good choice because you may not be able to control them and they may lose their charm. Second, ornamental grasses are low maintenance as long as you provide them with the right growth conditions and requirements which are:
1. Choose the right spot
Most of the ornamental grasses are heat loving and drought tolerant plants. Therefore, you should place them in a spot where they can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. However, if you live in a hot area where sunlight is burning, 4 hours of direct exposure to sunlight is enough.
2. Choose the right container
As we said earlier, it is better to grow ornamental grasses in a container rather than a garden. However, you have to pick up a suitable container. A good container should have drainage holes and should have appropriate width and depth to support your grasses’ root system.
You should also keep in a mind that a beautiful container is essential for your grasses to be as decorative as you expect them to.
3. Soil
Grasses are not demanding when it comes to the soil quality. They are able to adapt to any soil quality. However, for best results, Use a mix of 1/3 compost, one 1/3 soil, and 1/3 perlite to create an ideal potting mix for the growth of your grasses.
4. Watering
Generally, grasses are drought tolerant and they don’t require much watering. However, some varieties need watering more than others. To avoid confusion, water your grasses only when the top inch of soil is dry. This way, you will ensure that your grasses are receiving the exact amount of water they need.
5. Fertilizing
Grasses don’t need much fertilizing. But, for optimum growth, fertilize them once a year by applying a slow-release 3 – 1 – 2 fertilizer.
Now you know how to properly care for decorative grasses, we will provide you with a selection of the most beautiful and the most popular ornamental grasses.
1. Bamboo Muhly
This grass looks like ferns. it is extremely easy to grow Bamboo Muhly. it is a low maintenance grass that does not require much care and attention. All you need to do is to provide it with daily sunlight exposure.
2. Japanese Sweet Flag
This grass is perfect to decorate your indoor and outdoor since it is very low growing. Its average height does not exceed 12 inches. Japanese sweet flag is also a low maintenance grass. It grows in both sunny and partially sunny spots.
3. Red Fountain Grass
This is one of the most beautiful decorative grasses. It is simply fascinating. It has a very unique and exceptional red color. Growing it in a beautiful container will provide you with an extremely stunning grass garden.
4. Japanese Forest Grass
This grass is a shade-loving plant. Usually, it is grown as a houseplant but it can be grown outdoors if you manage to find a shady location for it. Japanese forest grass is distinguished by its attractive golden color.
5. Blue Lyme Grass
This is one of the sturdiest decorative grasses. This tough plant can handle several poor growing conditions including poor soil quality. Its foliage that looks like a sword can grow up to 4 feet.
6. Fiber Optic Grass
This is one of the most popular decorative grasses. It is a highly desired decoration. That is quite normal considering the fact that this grass is absolutely stunning.
7. New Zealand flax
New Zealand Flax is an alluring and charming grass. It comes in different colors including green, copper, red and gold. New Zealand Flax is very decorative and it will be a nice addition to your garden.
8. Sedge
Although it is not actually a grass, Sedge made it to this list because it is one of most used plants for decorations. Sedge requires warmth and sunlight exposure. Once it grows, it becomes a fabulous decoration.
9. Miscanthus
Miscanthus is widely known as a decorative grass. There are many varieties of Miscanthus and all of them are suitable to grow in containers.
10. Blue Oat Grass
This grass is commonly used to decorate porches, balconies, and patios. It is very alluring and it is the best way to create an aesthetic look. Besides, it is extremely low maintenance and won’t require your constant attention.
11. Feather Reed Grass
It is usually used to decorate patios and other outdoor spaces, Feather Reed Grass is a very sturdy plant that can grow in both sunny and shady locations.
These are the most decorative grasses. These grasses are one of the most inexpensive ways to decorate your indoors or outdoors. Besides, they are extremely low maintenance. I strongly recommend that you try growing one of these in containers. You will enjoy it.