Grasses in the Garden
Distinctive foliage and flowers that last well into winter mean that the ornamental grasses of prairie planting are excellent plants for gardens in the colder months. They are remarkably tough and trouble-free, little bothered by pests or diseases. Most do best in a sunny, well-drained spot. They will, however, grow on the majority of sites apart from waterlogged soil or in deep shade. Heavy soil should be improved at planting time by digging in horticultural grit and sand. When planting on light or poor soils, well-rotted manure or compost is added to the planting hole.
These grasses are broadly grouped into cool- or warm-season. Cool-season grasses come into growth in late winter, thriving in spring and flowering before mid-June. Best planted in autumn, these include species and varieties of deschampsia, festuca and stipa. Warm-season grasses come into growth in late spring, flowering after mid-June. They include miscanthus, panicum and pennisetum. These are planted in spring, and cut back in the late winter.
Most ornamental grasses need a tidy in early spring, before new growth Deciduous switch grass is a clump-forming perennial with narrow leaves and upright habit. Height: 3-5ft (1-1.5m) starts. Deciduous varieties should be cut back hard every year to keep them looking at their best. Any grasses that do not come into growth until late spring, such as Pennisetum orientale, should be left until the risk of frost has passed. The old leaves protect the crown of the plant. Evergreen ones just need dead or damaged flower stalks removing. A rake or garden fork can be used to comb through them, removing dead leaves and stems. This deciduous grass has arching leaves ¾in (2cm) wide, with prominent white midribs, and feathery inflorescences. Height: 3-5ft (1-1.5m) Plants will benefit from a mulch of well-rotted manure or compost in spring. The crown should not be covered by the mulch, or it may rot.
The most reliable way to propagate perennial grasses is by division. Older clumps tend to die in the centre, becoming weak and lax. They should be lifted and divided. Any woody or dead material is discarded. Dividing every three to four years will keep plants healthy and vigorous. This cultivar of the shorter purple moor grass is clump forming. Its narrow panicles are held well above foliage on slender stalks. Height: 28-35in (70-90cm)