Ornamental Grasses

Studio 5 Contributor and Utah State University horticulturist, Jerry Goodspeed, says ornamental grasses are a great way to keep your landscape looking good through the winter.


1. What are ornamental grasses?

There are literally hundreds of grasses that have some ornamental value, either with their shape, color, form, or other characteristic.

2. Why use ornamental grasses in the landscape?

They add a different form and texture to the landscape, and they create interest in the fall and winter months when nothing else is in bloom.

3. When is the best time to plant ornamental grasses?

Spring or fall is the best.

4. What are some examples of ornamental grasses?

Here are some of my favorites:
1. Little bluestem ‘The Blues’ (Schizachyrium scoparium ‘the blues’)
2. Idaho blue fescue (Festuca ‘Siskiyou Blue’)
3. Cheju-do Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x. ‘Cheju-do’)
4. Rattlesnake grass (Briza media)
5. Tufted Hair Grass ‘Golden Dew’ (Deschampsia cespitosa    ‘Goldtau’)
6. Schottland Hair Grass (Deschampsia caespitosa ‘Schottland’)
7. Blue Moor grass (Sesleria caerulea)


For more information on workshops, plant sales and classes go to

ogdenbotanicalgardens.blogspot.com

or contact:

Jerry L. Goodspeed

Utah State University Extension

Weber County

Director – Ogden Botanical Gardens

www.extension.usu.edu

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