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Ferns and Grasses - Ornamental Grasses
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Ferns and Grasses - Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses add movement, texture, and year-round interest. This quiz looks at where to plant them, how to care for them, and how they shape garden design.

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Fascinating Fact:

Grasses move in the wind, which adds motion to borders. This can help link plants together and soften hard edges.

Ornamental grasses are grown for their shape, leaves, and seed heads, rather than showy flowers. Some form neat clumps, while others spread slowly, so it helps to check the mature size before planting. Many grasses prefer sun and free-draining soil, and they often cope well with poorer ground once established. They are popular in modern borders because they add a light, airy layer that works with perennials, shrubs, and even winter planting. Cutting back at the right time, and giving plants enough space, helps keep them tidy and healthy through the seasons.

Key Terms

  • Clump-forming: Growing in a tight mound that gets larger each year without running through the border.
  • Seed head: The part of the plant that holds seeds, often left on for structure and winter interest.
  • Free-draining soil: Soil that lets water pass through easily, so roots do not sit wet for long periods.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

When should I cut back ornamental grasses in the UK?

Most ornamental grasses are cut back in late winter or early spring, before new shoots appear. Leaving old stems over winter can protect the crown and add structure.

Do ornamental grasses need full sun?

Many ornamental grasses grow best in full sun, but some tolerate partial shade. Checking the plant label helps match the grass to your garden’s light and soil.

How far apart should I plant ornamental grasses?

Spacing depends on the mature width of the grass. A good rule is to plant so each clump has room to reach its full size without crowding nearby plants.

Try These Related Quizzes

To see a larger image, click on the picture.
1 .
Can you name this ornamental grass?
Photograph courtesy of Namazu-tron
Fountain grass
Pampas grass
Tussock grass
Weeping sedge
  • Latin Name: Cortaderia selloana.
  • The plant is a native of South America and takes its name from the vast lowland plains of that country.
  • Flower heads are widely used in floral decorations.
  • Can grow up to 3 metres tall.
  • Be careful with the leaves because they can cut you like a razor!
2 .
Can you name this ornamental grass?
Common bent
Tussock grass
Witchgrass
Blue fescue
  • Latin Name: Agrostis capillaris.
  • There are a large numbers of different species of Agrostis - over 100 according to Wikipedia.
  • It has to be said that it is not the most exciting plant - when grown in the garden it needs to be near brighter plants to cheer it up a little!
3 .
Can you name this ornamental grass?
Photograph courtesy of Miya.m
Witchgrass
Fountain grass
Chinese silver grass
Leafy reedgrass
  • Latin Name: Miscanthus sinensis.
  • Known by many different names including Eulalia grass, maiden grass, porcupine grass, Susuki grass and zebra grass!
  • Found growing wild throughout eastern Asia.
  • Can grow to over 2 metres tall.
  • Flowers are held well above the foliage and are usually tinged with purple.
  • It is very popular and several cultivars have been bred specifically for use in gardens.
4 .
Can you name this ornamental grass?
Photograph courtesy of Matt Lavin
Fountain grass
Japanese forest grass
Chinese silver grass
Witchgrass
  • Latin Name: Panicum capillare.
  • Both the upper and lower surfaces of leaves are densely covered with tiny hairs and this is its most recognizable feature.
  • An annual plant that produces ample seeds each year to ensure its survival in a patch of the garden.
  • Regarded as a weed in the west of the USA.
5 .
Can you name this ornamental grass?
Photograph courtesy of www.flickr.com/photos/white_wolf/
Chinese silver grass
Leafy reedgrass
Pampas grass
Fountain grass
  • Latin Name: Pennisetum setaceum.
  • Grows in tight clumps and is non-invasive.
  • As summer develops the long flower bearing stalks start to become pendulus and eventually bear 'foxtail' heads.
  • Does best in fertile soil and in full sun.
  • Can look breathtakingly beautiful in the winter.
  • It is advisable to cut the plants back in the spring before new growth begins.
6 .
Can you name this ornamental grass?
Photograph courtesy of www.geograph.org.uk/profile/24143
Tussock grass
Weeping sedge
Common bent
Chinese silver grass
  • Latin Name: Deschampsia cespitosa.
  • Sometimes known as the Tufted hair-grass
  • Found wild in many places throughout America and Europe and often seen growing in association with other wild grasses.
  • Thrives on poor soils.
  • Very easy to grow and may become invasive.
  • Used extensively as a 'filler' plant in wildlife gardens.
7 .
Can you name this ornamental grass?
Photograph courtesy of Stickpen
Weeping sedge
Leafy reedgrass
Japanese forest grass
Pampas grass
  • Latin Name: Calamagrostis foliosa.
  • Stems grow to between 30 and 60 cm in length.
  • Foliage colour ranges from blue-green to gold depending upon where it is grown and the time of year.
  • Flowers are creamy with a hint of green.
  • As with many other grasses it is easy to raise your own plants from seed.
8 .
Can you name this ornamental grass?
Photograph courtesy of www.flickr.com/photos/nestmaker/
Fountain grass
Witchgrass
Common bent
Japanese forest grass
  • Latin Name: Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'.
  • Flowers are insignificant but it is well worth growing for its glowing yellow foliage.
  • Retains good foliage colour even when grown in partial shade.
  • Grows to a height of up to 40 cm.
  • Dies back to ground level in the winter.
  • Easy to grow and responds well to good, fertile soil.
9 .
Can you name this ornamental grass?
Photograph courtesy of Opiola Jerzy (Poland)
Blue fescue
Witchgrass
Common bent
Tussock grass
  • Latin Name: Festuca glauca.
  • Forms a clump with individual flower stems reaching to about 18 cm high.
  • Light green flowers are followed by puffy seed heads.
  • Does well in dry soils with low nutrient levels.
  • Dislikes wet soils intensely!
  • Although it can be grown in slightly shaded areas it needs full sunlight to develop richness in its foliage colour.
10 .
Can you name this ornamental grass?
Photograph courtesy of Sten Porse
Leafy reedgrass
Weeping sedge
Japanese forest grass
Blue fescue
  • Latin Name: Carex pendula.
  • Prefers moist soil, preferably heavy clay.
  • In the wild it is often found in woodlands and close to water.
  • Each flowering stem carries both male and female spikes.
  • Flowers in May and June are followed by greenish-brown fruits about a month later.
Author:  Colin King
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