Perennial ornamental grass is having a moment, and it is easy to see why. These low-maintenance plants can add texture, movement and year-round interest to a yard without requiring homeowners to spend every weekend watering, pruning and fussing over their landscaping.<\/p>\n
Unlike traditional lawn grass, perennial ornamental grasses are grown for their shape, texture, colour and movement. Plus, there are plenty of options. From soft, flowing grasses that sway in the breeze to tall varieties that can add privacy, perennial ornamental grass can work in everything from a small front garden to a large backyard.<\/p>\n
The best part? Many varieties come back year after year with relatively little maintenance once they are established.<\/p>\n
What is Perennial Ornamental Grass?<\/strong><\/p>\n Perennial ornamental grass is a type of plant that returns each year and is grown mainly for its appearance rather than for mowing.<\/p>\n These grasses come in a wide range of heights, colours and shapes. Some form neat, low-growing clumps, while others can grow several feet tall. Some have fluffy flower heads, while others are valued for their foliage and fall colour.<\/p>\n And while they may look delicate, many varieties of perennial ornamental grass are surprisingly tough.<\/p>\n According to Iowa State University, ornamental grasses are generally low-maintenance perennials. Once established, many need watering only during periods of drought and rarely require fertilizer.<\/p>\n That makes them an appealing option for homeowners who want their landscaping to look intentional without creating another item on the weekend to-do list.<\/p>\n Why is Perennial Ornamental Grass Having A Moment?<\/strong><\/p>\n There is a reason perennial ornamental grass keeps showing up in modern gardens.<\/p>\n For starters, it adds movement. Traditional shrubs and flowers can create colour and structure, but ornamental grasses move with the wind, giving a garden a softer, more natural feel.<\/p>\n They also add texture. A yard made up of grass, shrubs and flowers can sometimes look flat. Adding tall, feathery or clumping grasses creates different shapes and layers.<\/p>\n Then there is the year-round appeal. Many types of ornamental grass look great during their growing season, change colour in the fall and can keep their seed heads through winter. Iowa State University also notes that ornamental grasses can provide interest throughout the seasons, including winter when their dried foliage and flower heads remain standing. In other words, you do not necessarily have to cut everything back the second summer ends.<\/p>\n Is Perennial Ornamental Grass Actually Low Maintenance?<\/strong><\/p>\n One of the biggest draws is simple: less work. Once established, many ornamental grasses need little watering unless conditions are especially dry. They also tend to be resistant to most pests and diseases.<\/p>\n But there is an important catch: \u201clow maintenance\u201d does not mean \u201cno maintenance.\u201d Most perennial ornamental grass varieties still need some care when they are getting established.<\/p>\n Newly planted grasses should be watered regularly during their first growing season. Depending on the variety, they may also need to be cut back in early spring before new growth begins. After that? The upkeep is often pretty simple. For homeowners who want a great-looking yard without a high-maintenance garden, that can be a pretty good trade.<\/p>\n Perennial Ornamental Grass Can Handle Tough Growing Conditions<\/strong><\/p>\n Not every part of a yard is perfect for traditional landscaping. Maybe you have a sunny, dry area where other plants struggle. Maybe there is a slope where you want something that can help hold the soil in place. Or maybe you simply have a section of the yard that gets forgotten when it comes time to water.<\/p>\n This is where perennial ornamental grass can shine. Different varieties are suited to different growing conditions. Ornamental grasses are available for a variety of conditions, including dry, well-drained and wet soils.<\/p>\n The key is choosing the right grass for the right spot. A plant that loves dry, sunny soil may not be happy in a shady, wet corner of your yard. It is also worth checking the mature size before planting. Many ornamental grasses can become surprisingly large within just a couple of years, even if they look small at the garden centre.<\/p>\n The Wildlife Bonus<\/strong><\/p>\n A good-looking yard can also be a useful one. Native varieties of perennial ornamental grass can provide food, shelter and habitat for wildlife. Some are used by insects during different stages of their life cycle, while seed heads can provide food for birds.<\/p>\n And there is a bigger picture here. Canada is home to more than 800 native bee species. Bees are the most common pollinators in Canada, but they are not the only ones. Butterflies, moths, wasps, flies, some beetles, hummingbirds and certain bats also play important roles as pollinators.<\/p>\n That does not mean every ornamental grass will suddenly turn your yard into a wildlife sanctuary. But choosing native varieties and mixing perennial ornamental grass with native flowers, shrubs and other plants can help create a more useful outdoor space.<\/p>\n Parks Canada recommends planting native trees, grasses and wildflowers to create habitat \u201cstepping stones\u201d for pollinators and other wildlife.<\/p>\n You do not need a huge yard to make a difference, either. Even a small garden or a few native plants can provide habitat, especially in urban areas.<\/p>\n 5 Perennial Ornamental Grass Varieties to Know<\/strong><\/p>\n Not sure where to start? Here are a few perennial grasses worth knowing :<\/p>\n 1. Little Bluestem : Best for colour, texture and smaller gardens<\/em> 2. Big Bluestem : Best for height and privacy<\/em> 3. Switchgrass : Best for versatility<\/em> 4. Prairie Dropseed : Best for a softer, low-growing look<\/em> 5. Indiangrass : Best for fall colour and dramatic height<\/em> How to Use Perennial Ornamental Grass in Your Yard?<\/strong><\/p>\n The trick is not simply planting a row of grasses and calling it a day. Think about how you want the plants to work with the rest of your landscape.<\/p>\n \u2022 Use shorter grasses along pathways or garden borders. They can define a space without blocking the view.<\/em> Don\u2019t Forget About The Four Seasons<\/strong><\/p>\n One of the biggest advantages of perennial ornamental grass is that it does not have to disappear when summer does.<\/p>\n In spring, new green growth begins to emerge. During summer, grasses fill out and many produce flowers or seed heads. In fall, some varieties turn shades of gold, red, copper or orange. And in winter, their dried stems and seed heads can add structure to an otherwise bare landscape.<\/p>\n Ornamental grasses can provide year-round interest, with fresh foliage in spring, flowers in summer and fall, and dried foliage and flowers that remain through winter. That seasonal change is part of what makes perennial ornamental grass so useful in modern landscaping. You are not planting something that looks good for six weeks and then disappears.<\/p>\n Ready to Find A Home with The Right Outdoor Space?<\/strong>
\nLittle bluestem is a North American native grass that can bring a surprising amount of colour to a landscape. Its foliage can shift through shades of blue-green, copper, red and orange as the seasons change. Its seed heads can also stick around into fall and winter. It is a relatively compact ornamental grass compared with some taller varieties, making it useful for borders, mass plantings or smaller gardens.<\/em><\/p>\n
\nAs its name suggests, big bluestem is a much taller option. It can act as a backdrop for shorter plants, help hide less attractive areas of the yard or create a natural-looking privacy screen. It is also one of the classic grasses associated with North America\u2019s tallgrass prairies. Iowa State University lists big bluestem among ornamental grasses that can grow more than 5 feet tall. Because of its size, it is best suited to larger planting areas where it has room to grow.<\/em><\/p>\n
\nSwitchgrass is another North American native that can work in a range of landscape settings. It is one of the taller ornamental grasses, with some varieties growing more than 5 feet tall. Its upright shape makes it useful for adding height without creating a bulky hedge, while different varieties can offer different foliage colours and forms.<\/em><\/p>\n
\nIf tall grasses are not your thing, prairie dropseed offers a different look. It forms tidy clumps and is one of the shorter ornamental grass options. It is also native to Iowa and the wider prairie landscape, according to Iowa State University. Its fine texture works well along borders, in natural-style gardens or mixed into a larger planting bed.<\/em><\/p>\n
\nIndiangrass can grow up to 6 feet tall and produces golden, plume-like flowers beginning in August. Its blue-green foliage usually stays green until the first frost, when it turns yellow-orange. It is also drought tolerant and adaptable to a wide variety of soils. Indiangrass can also support wildlife. Its seeds provide food for songbirds, while its foliage can provide nesting cover for ground-nesting birds. That makes it a strong choice for homeowners who want their garden to keep changing as the seasons do.<\/em><\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Plant taller varieties behind flowers and shrubs. The extra height creates layers and can make a garden feel fuller.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Use larger grasses as a natural screen. Tall varieties can help create privacy around patios, decks or other outdoor spaces.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Mix grasses with flowering perennials. The fine texture of grass can balance plants with larger leaves or bold flowers.<\/em>
\n\u2022 Try a mass planting. Planting several of the same grass together can create a clean, modern look.<\/em>
\n\u2022 For a more natural garden, consider mixing several types of perennial ornamental grass with native flowers and other perennials instead of creating a perfectly symmetrical bed.<\/em><\/p>\n
\nWhether you are dreaming of a backyard made for gardening, a spacious lot for landscaping projects or a low-maintenance outdoor space you can actually enjoy, the right home can make all the difference.<\/p>\n