When to Plant Ornamental Grass

Ornamental grasses are fast-growing, low-maintenance plants that can easily be incorporated into just about any garden or landscaping project. According to experts in landscape design services, the best time to plant ornamental grass is in spring or early fall, although timing can vary slightly by grass type.

If you plant in the spring, the grass will have time to take root. If you plant in the fall, plant four to eight weeks before the first frost so the roots can take hold before it gets too cold. 

As tempting as it might be, don’t plant grasses during the hot, dry summer months. They have less of a chance of surviving and flourishing during extreme conditions if their roots aren’t well-established. 

Tips for Planting Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses fall into two categories: Cool-season grasses should be planted in the early spring or early fall and will stay colorful in cold weather, and warm-season grasses should be planted in the late spring because they thrive in hot weather.

For most grasses, choose a place that gets at least six hours of sun each day and has well-draining soil. Water regularly to keep the soil moist until the roots are set. Once they’re established, most grass types can handle dry weather conditions.

Clumping similar types of grasses together in different areas of a garden is a way to reap the qualities of both types. Also, when planted in staggered groups of different heights and colors, they add movement and visual interest to a landscape.

How to Care for Ornamental Grasses

Even though ornamental grasses tend to be quite hardy and require less maintenance than many other plants, they do require some attention from time to time.

Best Time to Cut Back Grasses

Ornamental grass grows quickly. When timed correctly, trimming plants can help accelerate their growth.

Warm-season grasses can be cut back anytime after they turn brown. Cut them within a couple of inches of the ground.

Cool-season grasses usually look good throughout the winter. In the spring, leave about one-third of the plant when you trim it back. If you cut it too short, you can permanently damage the plant.

Tying overgrown grass into a bundle before cutting can be a time-saver. Pruning shears will usually do the trick on smaller plants, but larger, more established clumps of grass may need to be trimmed with a hedge trimmer or even a chainsaw.

Best Time to Divide Grasses

Dividing a clump of grass every few years can help keep the plant healthy and the area from getting overcrowded. It also allows you to expand your garden without spending more money on plants. 

Small plants can be split with a sharp trowel and pulled into pieces with a healthy number of roots. Larger grasses may require some extra muscle, a shovel, and maybe a crowbar to get them apart.

Warm-season grasses should be divided during the mid- to late-summer growing season. If they’re dormant when replanted, their roots won’t take hold. 

Cold-season grasses should also be divided during their growing season, but early spring is probably safer than the fall. If you wait too long, the roots may not have enough time to grow before the ground freezes. 

Timing Is Everything

Ornamental grasses might be easy to plant and take care of, but understanding how to increase curb appeal and when to plant, trim, and divide them will allow them to give you many more years of enjoyment.

Want a Reliable Professional to Oversee Your Ornamental Grasses?

Michaelangelo's Sustainable Landscape and Design Group has years of experience designing and maintaining landscapes for residential and commercial properties. Our award-winning team understands how to incorporate ornamental grasses in ways that complement the surrounding landscape while considering exactly what a landscape architect can do. We’ve built a reputation for quality care and customer service. 

If you're considering adding ornamental grasses to your property, our team can help you explore options that fit your space, preferences, and overall landscape design.