We all love our gardens. Getting out there is more than just a hobby. It brings joy, it’s an art, and there’s even some science thrown in. But whatever we get out of gardening we’re always looking for new ways to improve our green space. New features, new plants, or even a brand-new planting scheme. We like to explore.

And it’s in the spirit of botanical exploration that I want to introduce you to the world of ornamental grass – and as a recent convert myself I have to admit there’s the hint of a zealot here. I am so bowled over by the ornamental grasses I’ve introduced to my own garden.

From the billowing waves of feather grass to the fiery autumn hues of Japanese blood grass, these wonderful grasses bring so much to the garden. Forget the lawn. There is so much more to grass. And, what’s even better, is that there is a remarkable variety of ornamental grasses suitable for the UK climate. They’ll thrive despite our weather giving your garden a unique charm throughout the year.

Why you should plant ornamental grass in your garden

Ornamental grasses are more than just a decorative flourish. They bring a sense of movement with their leaves and seed heads swaying gently in the breeze. Even their colours seem to shift with the changing light. I love to sit in my arbour watching my pampas grass dance in the breeze and they are often used in sensory gardens for their relaxation properties. .

But ornamental grass also provides structure in the garden. Their upright forms even stay attractive into the depths of winter. And, you know what? They're also versatile, low-maintenance and hardy. They are usually drought-resistant (admittedly not a problem we often face in the UK) and many common garden pests just aren’t attracted to them.

Planting ornamental grasses will bring your garden to life, creating your own oasis of beauty and tranquillity. What more could you ask for?

Your ornamental grass questions answered

From their hardiness and growth habits to their aesthetic appeal, each variety of ornamental grass is unique. To help guide you through choosing, caring, and enjoying your ornamental grasses we've compiled answers to some of the most commonly asked questions we receive about these incredible plants.

Whether you're wondering how to care for them, or pondering how best to use them in your garden, we’ve got the answers. Let’s dive in.

Is ornamental grass perennial?

Most ornamental grasses are perennial and will return year after year to grace your garden. What’s more, the hardiness of these grasses means they can safely withstand the colder winter months. They’ll go dormant during this period but will (literally) spring back to life once the weather warms.

However, I should point out that there are also a few annual ornamental grasses that complete their life cycle in a single year.

How to trim ornamental grass

If you’re like me, pruning is right at the bottom of favourite jobs to do in the garden. But pruning your ornamental grasses is a must if you want to encourage fresh growth and keep your grasses looking their majestic best.

The timing and method of pruning or trimming is dependent on the type of grass, but a general rule of thumb is to prune deciduous grasses in late winter or early spring. Evergreen grasses, on the other hand, may only need a light tidy up.

Begin by tying the grass into a bundle to keep the blades together, and then cut the grass back to about 10-15 cm above ground level using shears or a sharp knife. Remember to remove dead material from the centre of the clump to allow new growth.

Does ornamental grass need to be cut back?

Yes, as we’ve mentioned above most ornamental grasses benefit from being cut back annually. This is particularly true for deciduous grasses, which really don’t look great after their foliage has died back in winter. Again, as we’ve mentioned before, evergreen grasses will still appreciate a light trim to remove any damaged foliage and keep them looking their best.

Is ornamental grass suitable for shade?

There are so many varieties of ornamental grasses and while many prefer full or semi-sun, there are plenty of species that will happily grow in partial or even full shade. One such example is Japanese Forest Grass and some sedges (Carex species) can tolerate full shade. As ever the advice here is to read the product listing or information on the label if you are choosing grasses for a shady spot in the garden.

Can I grow ornamental grass in pots?

Absolutely you can. And they will make a stunning display especially if you choose an attractive pot as well. The attraction of container gardening with ornamental grasses is that you can easily control their growth and of course it's perfect for those gardeners who have limited space.

Ensure your pots have good drainage and always use a high-quality potting mix. As with all plants keep in mind that potted grasses will need more frequent watering than those planted in the ground.

Is ornamental grass good for borders?

Ornamental grasses will be a fantastic addition to any border. Their different heights, spread, growth habits, colours, and textures will bring your border to life and can even bring all year-round interest to your garden edges.

Smaller grasses can form a beautiful, low-growing border, while taller grasses will be a stunning backdrop for other perennials. Mixed with other border plants they will soften the border and add a sense of movement as they sway with the breeze.

Best ornamental grass border ideas

So many possibilities, so few borders. A few ideas include:

A monoculture border with just one type of grass can look amazing. A row of tall pampas grass will form a dynamic wall of colour.

Combine contrasting textures and colours. A change is good as a rest and mixing varieties of grasses presents a kaleidoscope of colour with different movement.

Interplant ornamental grasses with perennials. My favourite method and the way I plant my borders. You can create amazing displays with the different colours of grass and plants together with the tall majesty of your ornamental grasses.

Tips for taking care of your ornamental grass

Watering: Like most plants and shrubs, grasses should be watered regularly until they are established. Once they are established most ornamental grasses are fairly drought-tolerant but should still be watered during prolonged dry spells.

Feeding: A slow-release fertiliser in spring can give your grass a nice boost. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers, which can lead to lush growth at the expense of flowering.

Dividing: Some grasses may need dividing every few years. This is best done in spring, just as the new growth begins to appear.

Protection: Consider protecting your hardy grasses with a thick layer of mulch over winter.

Is ornamental grass drought tolerant?

Yes, many ornamental grasses are extremely drought tolerant once established. This is partly due to their deep root systems, which allow them to access moisture well below the soil surface. But as I mentioned earlier your grasses will still appreciate occasional watering during a hot and dry summer.

Is ornamental grass evergreen?

Not all are but there are plenty of varieties that retain their colour throughout the year. Do bear in mind that even evergreen grasses can benefit from pruning in early spring to remove any dead or damaged foliage.

Can ornamental grass be planted in full sun?

Many ornamental grasses will thrive in full sun and will love soaking up the sun in the best part of your garden. A sunny spot will help produce the most vibrant colours although it's always important to make sure your grass is suitable for full sun.

Our best ornamental grass pruning tips

Timing is all: For deciduous grasses, prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Keep an edge on your tools: Using sharp pruning shears will guarantee a clean cut and reduce the risk of damaging the plant.

Bundle the grass: Tie the grass into a bundle before cutting. This not only makes the plant easier to handle but makes pruning so much easier.

Don't cut too low: You can be quite severe but take care. Prune most grasses back to about 10-15 cm above the ground.

Is ornamental grass variegated?

Variegation is not uncommon in ornamental grasses, and these varieties can add an extra layer of interest to your garden. Most variegated grasses prefer a sunny spot to maintain their colour.

Where to buy ornamental grass

Here at Direct Plants, we have a great range of grasses for you to choose from. Fresh from the nursery our ornamental grass is all ready to be despatched direct to your door in our marketing-leading packaging to ensure safe delivery.

Final thoughts

The charm of ornamental grasses is their colour, elegance, hardiness, and movement. Qualities that make them perfect for just about any garden. They add a dynamic element to borders and look amazing in containers.

If you haven’t tried planting any grasses in your garden there’s no better time to do so. You won’t regret it.