If you’re wanting to introduce texture and movement beyond what flowering plants or perennials can achieve in the garden, grasses are a smart and low maintenance choice. “They may not be as popular as a blooming hydrangea, but they’re a wonderful addition to a mixed perennial garden,” says Abby Lapides, owner of Sugar Creek Gardens in Kirkwood.
Depending on the outdoor conditions, ornamental grasses can work well in a variety of settings. Switch grasses, which are native to the area, withstand flooding in the springtime and dry heat in the summer, making them an ideal choice for areas that are prone to fluctuations in temperature and climate conditions. “They can really fill in those problem spots,” says Lapides. For homeowners who struggle with hungry deer in the yard, Maiden grasses are natural repellents. Deer don’t like the taste and they don’t like the feel of the blades on their skin. “You could actually create a barricade with these grasses,” says our expert. “It’s not going to work as perfectly as a giant fence, but it still works pretty well.” Grasses also contribute to the aesthetic feel of a space. For example, homeowners with a preference for refined, architectural looks would do well to consider blue-stemmed grasses, such as Blue Paradise, and fountain grasses, which tend to be smaller. “They all look really good with things like sharp corners or rocks landscapes,” she says. But if it’s color you want, Pink Muhly Grass—Missouri’s Native Plant of the Year in 2022—features a beautiful rosy bloom but requires the right setup. “It likes well-drained soils because it’s found naturally in sandy areas or rocky glade areas,” says Lapides. Avoid too much moisture in the wintertime, such as on slopes.
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“The nature of grasses is that a lot of them have a really intense color change, which is what makes grasses really fun. They’re like sleeper agents. They offer those really great contrasting textures in spring and summer but, then, come fall, when they put on their big bloom, it’s like this wonderful crescendo to the garden.”
In addition to adding texture and color, grasses are easy to keep up with once they’re established. Native grasses, especially the native prairie grasses, need little-to-no supplemental water because they have large root systems. According to Lapides, their roots are twice as deep as they are upright so they can reach a lot of water when we’re experiencing drought situations. Once a year, remember to give them a good shear to cut off the dead foliage from the previous season. And, when you’re out shopping for the yard, be sure to know the dimensions of the area you’re wanting to plant.
“Some of our native grasses get quite large,” says Lapides. “And you don’t want to get something that is the wrong size.” When in doubt, be sure to ask one of the experts at your favorite local nursery or garden center. Lapides also suggests researching native cultivars–also known as nativars–which are cultivars of native plants that have been bred to shrink them in size in order to make them more garden friendly.
Finally, keep in mind that sun, and plenty of it, is key to good health. Says Lapides, “There aren’t a lot of grasses that will grow in the shade, so be sure that you have plenty of sunlight.”
