Ornamental grasses are a fantastic addition to any garden or landscape. Their tall and graceful presence adds texture, movement, and visual interest to the surrounding environment. This article will explore the 10 best tall ornamental grass varieties that will make a statement in any outdoor space.
10 Best Tall Ornamental Grasses
Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana)
Pampas Grass, scientifically known as Cortaderia selloana, is a magnificent tall ornamental grass widely admired for its imposing presence and striking plumes. Native to South America, this perennial grass has become a popular choice for landscaping due to its impressive height, beautiful flowers, and ability to add drama to any garden.
Pampas Grass is known for its large, feathery plumes reaching 10 feet tall. These plumes, which appear in late summer and last through the fall, come in various shades of white, pink, and purple, adding a touch of elegance to the landscape.
Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)
Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) is a native grass offering beauty and ecological benefits. This tall and robust grass can reach heights of up to nine feet, making it a stunning addition to any landscape. Big Bluestem features attractive blue-green foliage that turns a beautiful reddish-bronze color in the fall, providing a dramatic display. Its sturdy stems and deep root system make it a great choice for erosion control, providing shelter and food for wildlife. Big Bluestem is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a low-maintenance grass that thrives in various soil types.
Giant Reed (Arundo Donax)
Giant Reed, scientifically known as Arundo donax, is another tall ornamental grass variety that deserves a place in your garden. As its name suggests, this grass can reach impressive heights of 10 to 20 feet, making it a fantastic option for creating privacy screens, windbreaks, or adding vertical interest to large gardens.
The foliage of Giant Reed is deep green and can create a lush and tropical feel in your landscape. The leaves are long and arching, adding a graceful and flowing element to the overall design. This grass thrives in moist soil conditions, making it ideal for areas near ponds, streams, or water features.
Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides)
Fountain Grass, scientifically known as Pennisetum alopecuroides, is one of the best tall ornamental grass varieties that add elegance and beauty to any landscape. This grass is widely popular among gardeners and landscapers with its graceful arching foliage and attractive plume-like flowers.
Fountain Grass is a perennial grass that can reach 2 to 4 feet in height, making it an excellent option for creating a focal point or adding height to your garden. It features slender, green leaves that sway gently in the breeze, providing a soothing and relaxing atmosphere. The foliage typically turns golden in the fall, adding a beauty touch to the landscape.
Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora)
This clump-forming grass is renowned for its elegant, feathery plumes and ability to create a sense of movement and texture in the garden. Feather Reed Grass features narrow, upright foliage that grows in dense clumps, providing a neat appearance. The plants can reach 4 to 6 feet in height, making them an excellent option for adding vertical interest to the landscape. In early summer, the grass produces beautiful plumes that emerge as greenish-pink and gradually fade to a golden hue as they mature.
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Japanese Silver Grass (Miscanthus sinensis)
Japanese Silver Grass grows in large clumps and can reach 6-8 feet in height, making it a prominent feature in the garden. The narrow leaves are silver or variegated, providing visual interest even when the grass is not in bloom. In late summer to early fall, the grass produces feathery plumes ranging from creamy white to pinkish-red, creating a captivating display.
One of the notable characteristics of Japanese Silver Grass is its adaptability to a wide range of growing conditions. It grows well in full sun but can withstand some shade, and it is relatively tolerant of different soil types, including clay and sandy soils.
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is popular among gardeners due to its versatility and low maintenance requirements. This native North American grass is known for its stunning vertical growth, reaching heights of up to six feet. Switchgrass offers a variety of color options, including shades of green, blue, and even red. Its airy plumes add an elegant touch to any landscape, especially when they sway gracefully in the wind. Additionally, this grass is a favorite among wildlife enthusiasts, as it provides food and habitat for birds and other small animals.
Zebra Grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’)
Zebra Grass, or Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’, is a stunning ornamental grass variety with distinct horizontal yellow stripes on its leaves. It grows up to 6 feet tall and adds elegance and drama to any garden. Zebra Grass thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a versatile choice for various planting locations. Its feathery plumes, which emerge in late summer and last well into the winter, create a captivating display.
Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)
Northern Sea Oats, or Chasmanthium latifolium, is another excellent tall ornamental grass variety. It is known for its unique flat, bamboo-like seed heads that dangle gracefully from the stems. These seed heads turn from green to bronze as they mature, providing visual interest throughout the seasons. Northern Sea Oats can reach heights of 3 to 4 feet and prefers partial shade and moist soil conditions. This grass variety is also deer-resistant, making it a practical choice for gardens that attract wildlife.
Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’)
Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’) is another excellent tall ornamental grass variety that deserves a spot in your garden. With its slender, arching leaves and feathery plumes, this grass adds a touch of elegance and grace to any landscape. Maiden Grass can reach heights of up to eight feet, creating a striking focal point in your garden.
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Its silvery-white plumes appear in late summer and persist throughout the fall, adding visual interest and attracting attention. This grass is also deer-resistant, making it an ideal choice for areas with wildlife.
Conclusion
Incorporating tall ornamental grasses into your garden or landscape can elevate its overall aesthetic and create a sense of movement and beauty. Whether you choose Pampas Grass, Feather Reed Grass, or any other varieties mentioned in this article, you can be sure these stunning grasses will make a lasting impression. Experiment with different combinations, heights, and textures to create a unique and visually captivating outdoor space.
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