Buzz
Ornamental grasses are often featured in collections of annual flowers. Explore more images of these beautiful blooms.Ornamental grasses have been a key element in dried flower arrangements and winter bouquets for many years. In recent times, their popularity as landscape adornments has soared. With approximately 10,000 species of grasses, most of which are perennial, including bamboo, the annual varieties make up only a small portion of this diverse family. About 150 different ornamental grasses are commonly cultivated for their ornamental beauty in gardens, with many more varieties being introduced for this purpose.
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Ornamental grass description:
- Cloud Grass (Agrostis nebulosa), native to Spain, reaches a height of 15 inches. It is primarily cultivated for its airy, large flower heads, which are far bigger than the sparse foliage. The flowers dry well, but they are not suitable for dyeing.
- Wild Oats (Avena sterilis) from the Mediterranean have naturalized in the United States. These grasses are popular with floral designers and are especially striking in gardens when sunlight hits the hanging spikelets from behind. They grow up to 18 inches tall.
- Quaking Grass (Briza maxima) from the Mediterranean was one of the earliest ornamental grasses cultivated for its aesthetic value. The delicate flower heads tremble with the slightest breeze. It reaches a height of less than 1 foot.
- Job's Tears (Coix Lacryma-Jobi) from tropical regions feature large, tear-shaped grains used for making bead necklaces and various crafts. These plants are grown in gardens for their seeds and can reach up to 3 feet in height.
- Golden Top (Lamarkia aurea), another Mediterranean variety, displays erect, silky plumes resembling a toothbrush on one side of the stalk. The flower heads range from whitish to yellow and purple tones. It grows up to 1 foot tall, and clumps make a stunning front-of-border feature. It is excellent for drying.
- Wheat Grass (Triticum aestivum) grows to a height of 3 feet and features grains that spiral evenly around the stem. Though it is a cereal grain, it is not the common type known for food use. Wheat grass is highly valued by florists.
Uses for Ornamental Grasses: Ornamental grasses are vital components in harvest arrangements, wreaths, and various crafts. The tall, spiky varieties provide vertical lines, while the feathery, soft heads of others add a delicate touch to floral designs. In the garden, plant grasses in clumps to enhance their visual impact. Shorter varieties work beautifully at the front of borders, while taller ones, unless their foliage is particularly striking, should be placed in the middle, where their flower heads can be admired starting in July. Grasses grown primarily for cut arrangements can be cultivated in a dedicated cutting garden. Additionally, ornamental grasses are making their way into container gardens, either alone or paired with flowers. In northern climates, many annual grasses remain attractive in gardens until covered by heavy snow in the winter.
Looking for more gardening tips? Try:
- Annual Flowers
- Annuals
- Perennial Flowers
