Sturdy type

There are many types of ornamental grasses on the market to choose from and they have become more and more popular because of the low maintenance and the natural look it gives, complementing any trees, shrubs or flowers you might already have.

When we say many types, we mean just that; from giant growing grass to short, from broad-leaved to slender, you will surely find a type to suit your taste. Keep in mind that clump-growing varieties are less maintenance than spreading ones.

You might need to water it until it gets established, but it does not require pesticides or fertilizing. For ground cover you can use ribbon grass.

Ravenna grass is such a giant, sturdy type of grass which requires a lot of space to grow and is preferred for winter gardens. It will thrive in full sunlight and average or even dry soil and it will grow tall stiff stalks with puffy heads.

A shorter type is the Japanese Forest grass, with beautiful variegated golden leaves, best kept in zones 5 to 9 according to the USDA. It grows slowly, best in shade during summer and in sunlight during winter. A dwarf variety of this grass is the All Gold grass, which is reddish in colour during autumn and has a moderate growth rate, preferring moist and well-drained soil.

The Feather Reed grass can grow well both in shade and full sunlight and it’s not demanding when it comes to soil either. It has slender dark green leaves and bears flowers during summer.

Another popular choice is the Mischantus because of its striking orange-red colour during autumn, also known as “flame grass”; if assured full sunlight and proper moisturizing levels it can bear well-drained soil or even clayey soil.

The Northern Sea Oats is a clump-growing species of grass which reaches 3-4 feet in height and turns brown during autumn. It grows best in average soil conditions and partial shade.

full sunlight, moderate growth rate, ornamental grasses, pesticides, sturdy type, winter gardens