home sectionhome sectionVariegated Aztec grass (Liriope muscari) is a plant with white and silver striped foliage and spiky white flowers that appear in summer. This upright grass grows to heights of about 12 inches, with a spread of 1 to 2 feet. Variegated Aztec grass is a low-maintenance plant that requires virtually no care once established. It thrives in partial sunlight, but tolerates full shade. Also known as monkey grass or border grass, variegated Aztec grass is appropriate for planting in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 6 through 10.
Appreciated for their casual beauty and easy maintenance, many ornamental landscape grasses are especially well suited for low-water gardening, known as xeriscaping. Drought-tolerant grasses need little supplemental watering or special care once they're established in the garden. Proper site preparation and mulching can also improve the drought tolerance of landscape grasses.
Though it requires a significant amount of commitment, the rewards of a lush, healthy lawn will outweigh all that hard work. Providing your grass with tender loving care isn't solely a matter of regular mowing; there are other aspects involved in achieving that professionally manicured look to your lawn. Consistent maintenance and attention to detail during each season will allow you to produce rich, green grass that you'll be proud to show off to the neighborhood.
Oat grass has been grown around the world for thousands of years. Oats are a useful crop for farmers because they are used as a food source for people and animals, such as cattle and horses. Growing from 1 to 3 feet tall, each blade of oat grass is long and thin with a hairy-like sprout at the top that contains the plant's seed. Oat grass is known as a cool-season crop because it grows best in moderate temperatures.
Commonly known as African love grass, weeping love grass (Eragrostis curvula) is a drought tolerant perennial grass used for erosion control along hills and highways. The deep green, ornamental grass forms dense clumps that measure 12 inches long and 24 to 36 inches wide. Native to Southern Africa, the grass is adapted to warm summers and mild winters, which is why it thrives in United States Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 7 through 10. Provide the ornamental grass a 3-by-3-foot space, so it fills it with its characteristic “weeping” or drooping form and fine-textured foliage.
Most homeowners can agree on the importance of a healthy lawn, but ask what to do about an unhealthy lawn and opinions vary greatly. The solution is different for every situation, and lime is just one of many possible answers to your lawn problems. If acidic soil is preventing your grass from reaching its potential, lime may be the solution.
Liriope grass, also known as lilyturf, is an evergreen ground cover that multiplies rapidly. While liriope looks similar to grass, it is in fact a member of the lily family. From July to August, liriope is in bloom, sporting multiple flower spikes in lavender, purple or white. Flowers are followed by black berrylike fruits. Liriope is a sturdy landscape plant, tolerating dry and hot conditions or even deep shade. It is easy to care for and propagates rapidly.
Dwarf zebra grass (Miscanthus sinensis "Little Zebra") has medium green blades adorned with lighter green or gold stripes. It grows up to 4 feet high and forms tidy mounds approximately 3 feet in diameter. Dwarf zebra grass is prized for its striking foliage but also produces notable purple-tinged blooms during late summer or early fall. The flowers develop a brown hue as seeds develop. Dwarf zebra grass thrives in nearly any soil with good drainage. It grows well in full sun or part shade and is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5 through 9.
Ornamental grasses add a lot to a garden, including texture and height with their tall flower plumes, and sometimes even sound when they rattle in the breeze. Carex comans "Bronze Sedge" is a dwarf upright-growing grass with light bronze foliage. It compliments flowering plants in beds or serves as a filler in container gardens. Drought-tolerant Bronze Sedge thrives in zones 7 through 10 on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Map.
If a lush, green lawn is on your list of homeowner dreams, careful preparation and attention is all you need to make that dream come true. Once you complete the soil preparation, it's time to plant the grass seed. Covering grass seed with hay is a way to protect the seeds so they are able to germinate and grow. The hay protects the seed from birds, from the wind blowing them into the air and helps keep the seeds moist.
Several events in winter can cause a lawn to turn yellow. The most obvious reason that a lawn turns yellow in the winter is dormancy. Warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda grass, naturally turn yellow and brown as they go to sleep for the winter. Homeowners deal with this in a number of ways, including allowing it to remain discolored or overseeding with a cool-season grass. There are other reasons, though, that a lawn may yellow in the winter.
Muhlenbergia capillaris, commonly called pink muhly grass, produces cloud-like sprays of pink flowers in the fall. Since they grow easily, and self-sow, masses of them commonly grow in undeveloped areas and along roadsides. In the garden, when everything else is beginning to wane, these grasses burst forth with eye-catching color. Pink muhly grass almost thrives on neglect. It's perfect for infertile soils in sunny garden spots where nothing else will grow.
Weed management in pastures is important as uncontrolled weeds not only affect forage growth but may also impact livestock health and make grazing difficult. Uncontrolled weeds compete with desirable plants for nutrients, water and space, and often become invasive if they're not managed in time. Weeds that cause the most problems in pastures include both biennial and the perennial varieties. The use of herbicides is often required for effective weed management.
The coastal plain of South Carolina includes the lowest elevations, extending from the Atlantic Ocean inland, roughly to a line from North Augusta to Florence. In the counties on the coast, the soils are sandy and the winters are warmest, likely never colder than 15 degrees Fahrenheit. This, along with long, hot and humid summers, makes warm-season grasses the best choice for lawns. Warm-season lawns become dormant or nearly so from late November to late March.
One of the oldest types of perennial ornamental grasses grown in gardens for centuries, maidengrass (Miscanthus sinensis) is also commonly called Japanese silvergrass or eulalia. This large clumping grass produces slender arching leaf blades 5 to 7 feet long in a mass 4 to 5 feet wide. In late summer or early fall, upright, wispy flower heads rise above the leaves and later display silvery beige seeds that disperse in the wind across fall and winter. Grow maidengrass in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9.
Vigna caracalla is a vine native to South America, known commonly as the corkscrew vine, snail vine, or snail bean. The vine blooms from mid-summer through fall, then dies back until the following summer. The blooms are highly fragrant, producing a smell reminiscent of hyacinth. If treated properly and given appropriate sun, this hard-to-find specimen will provide your garden with beautiful and unique interest for years.
Fall grass turning yellow may be the result of a fungal disease called rhizoctonia yellow patch. Rhizoctonia yellow patch commonly infects cool-season grass types or grass varieties that start growing in the fall. It is important for gardeners to notices early symptoms of rhizoctonia yellow patch in order to provide cultural treatment practices.
Festuca, a genus of grasses consisting of about 100 species, was introduced into the United States in the early part of the 19th century. Fescue, as it is commonly known, can grow in much of the continental United States with the exception of the Deep South. As with any type of grass, fescue must be fertilized to thrive, but excessive fertilizing can kill the grass.
Blue festuca (Festuca glauca) is a variety of ornamental grass. Ornamental grasses are widely used in landscapes as low-maintenance plants that adapt to a range of growing conditions. The grasses have more tolerance for poor soil than a majority of other plants. The great variation in the size, color and flower types of ornamental grasses makes them useful in almost any type of landscape. Blue festuca is an eye-catching, low-growing type.
Fragrant, snail-shaped creamy pale lavender flowers with irregular purple markings done the rapid-growing stems on the corkscrew or snail vine (Vigna caracalla). Native to Central and northern South America, this evergreen perennial vine retains its foliage in regions where winter frosts never occur. The plant sprouts back if temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit kill back the vines and leaves. Elsewhere, grow snail vine as an annual that is killed by fall frost and winter cold.
Arundo donax is a species of grass with common names such as giant cane and giant reed. It is native to Southeastern Asia, although it grows in temperate and tropical climates throughout the world. Giant reed has many commercial uses, and landscapers also use it as an ornamental plant in tropical settings. Grow giant reed outside in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 7 and higher. This plant can tolerate a minimum annual temperature of zero degrees Fahrenheit. This plant grows quickly and can become invasive in warm climates. Most gardeners purchase giant reed as a growing plant.
Festuca is the common grass fescue. The blue fescue is an attractive matte blue grass that grows in a tidy clump. They are small grasses, only reaching 6 to 12 inches high and about the same width. The blades are thin and grow vertically with a slight droop on the ends of the longest leaves. The leaf color comes from a powdery coating that rubs off to reveal a brighter blue. Summer brings small, unremarkable flower spikes. Divide blue fescue clumps every two or three years to prevent the center from dying out. This grass also readily propagates by seed…
Maiden grass, or Miscanthus, is a perennial ornamental grass with a clumping habit and long, graceful blades. It is a deciduous grass whose foliage turns brown and crispy in the cold late fall and winter. The dry cold combined with winds can really turn your once magnificent stand of maiden grass into a crumpled, splayed mess. Removal of the old foliage will improve the look and make room for the new growth in spring. The optimum time to prune maiden grass is late winter or early fall. The grass provides an interesting architectural shape and character to the garden as…
The corkscrew vine plant (Vigna caracalla), sometimes called snail vine, is a perennial that grows up to 20 feet long. It produces twisted, cream and purple blooms that perfume the garden throughout spring and summer. It's hardy only in U.S. Department of Agriculture zone 9 and above, but grows so quickly that it can be treated as an annual in cooler zones. Corkscrew vines perform best in full sun and moderately moist soil.
Saint Augustine grass is used often in the southern U.S. The grass originated in tropical areas, so it does well in the South, especially along the coast, which normally doesn't get below-freezing temperatures. Saint Augustine grass is not purchased in seed form, because a commercial seed product has been found difficult to produce. The grass is offered as sod that you can plant to establish a lush, green lawn.
Also known as pumila pampas grass, dwarf pampas is a smaller version of common pampas grass. It is also cold hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 6, making the showy ornamental available to more gardeners. Dwarf pampas grass grows to 5 feet tall and blooms in tall plumes of white fluff. The flowers may last up to 10 weeks and add winter interest to the plant. Plant the dwarf pampas grass in an area with well-drained soil in the sunniest, warmest part of the garden in the fall, except in zone 6, where you need to plant…
St. Augustine grass is a warm season turf grown extensively throughout the southern United States. Gardeners can plant this grass in shady areas of the yard as long as it receives at least four hours of full sunlight. This grass type requires more water than grasses such as Bermuda to keep from going dormant. Planting generally begins in the early spring, when ground temperatures have warmed up or the last threat of frost has passed.
Potted grasses are used as decoration in and outside the home as a way to add a little natural color or addition to your overall style. Since they are grasses, care for the potted plants is fairly basic, allowing you time to simply enjoy them and your home or outdoor area. You need only a few basic supplies to ensure healthy grasses.
Weeds are unwanted plants that reduce the vigor of desired plants and when growing in grass pastures, they affect palatability for livestock. Some weeds are also toxic and can harm animals. You can control the growth of weeds in grass pastures through various practices.
Also known as highway grass, Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum) is a fast growing, mat-forming grass characterized by y-shaped seed heads and coarse, light green leaves. The grass is tolerant of a range of conditions and requires very little care. Bahia grass is a vigorous grower that may become invasive in some landscapes.
Ornamental grasses are increasing in popularity as easy-to-grow plants with unmatched texture and movement. Pampas grass is a showy landscape grass that can grow up to 10 feet high. It is so large that it doesn't fit into many garden plans unless the focal point is the grass. In an effort to provide variety, growers have produced a dwarf specimen Pampas. It is only about 3 feet tall and its dry winter foliage benefits from a rejuvenating pruning in spring.
Also known as purple fountain grass and African fountain grass, red fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum) is an ornamental grass species commonly cultivated for its reddish purple foliage and fluffy plumes. The grass is tolerant of a wide variety of soil and temperature conditions and requires little care or maintenance once it's established.
Ornamental plants, which brighten gardens and bring beauty to landscapes, need regular care and maintenance to thrive. Although some plants---such as grasses and some shrubs---need less attention than others, all ornamentals require some degree of ongoing care.
Centipede grass is a popular turf grass throughout the southern United States, prized for its low maintenance requirements and an ability to withstand heat and drought. Although healthy centipede grass is naturally a yellow-green color, if the yellowing becomes extreme, it may be cause for alarm. Extreme yellowing can be caused by a nutrient deficiency, stress or centipede decline. Centipede decline may result from a number of problems or pests.
San Augustine grass is typically used throughout the southern regions of the United States as a lawn grass. This type of grass thrives in areas of the country with mild winters and moist, humid air. Because of this, not every state in the country is able to grow San Augustine grass, but those who are able can enhance the appearance of their lawn by following several tips.
Dwarf pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana Pumila) is a smaller version of pampas grass. The plant is a native of Brazil, Argentina and Chile and is cited as possibly the most popular ornamental grass by the Floridata site. Dwarf pampas grass is evergreen.
Smaller ornamental grasses are easily cut back with pruners or shears in late winter to allow for lush spring regrowth. Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is so large and dense with stiff and coarse stems that cutting back is labor-intensive. Use a machete, chainsaw or controlled fire to reduce the clump.
Pampas grass is a South American native grown as an ornamental grass in large perennial borders and landscapes. The female variety of Cortaderia selloana sprouts impressive fountain-like white inflorescences that produce thousands of seeds. Pampas grass is a fast-growing perennial.
Ornamental grasses provide texture to the landscape with gracefully arching stems and dramatic contrast to other plants. Their use became popular during Victorian times; after then, they slowly died off only to make a comeback in the 1990s with the popularity of more natural-looking, water-conserving low-maintenance gardens. There are thousands of different types of ornamental grasses for the gardener to choose from. Luckily the mild winter climate, dry summers and rich Willamette Valley soil in Portland, Oregon, is the perfect environment for almost all types.
For many people, maintaining an emerald green lawn is part of the American dream, and can seem like a challenging project requiring hours of time every spring and summer. Keeping grass green doesn't require as much time as you may think, but it does require proper mowing, watering and fertilizing. Once your lawn is healthy, you'll settle into a regular care routine, and you can spend your summer days enjoying your lawn.
Arizona has two distinct climates: the four-season mountainous regions found in Flagstaff, Show Low and Mount Lemon and the desert regions with long, hot summers and mild, warm winters. The desert regions including the cities of Tucson and Phoenix, where people can garden nearly year-round if the poor soil is amended and sufficient water is available. Since water is scarce, many landscapes use desert plants, cacti and plants native to the area.
St. Augustine grass grows best when installed as sprigs or sod, instead of seed. Seed for this grass variety is difficult to find and takes longer to establish than other grass varieties.
Ivory Feathers dwarf pampas grass is a popular type of ornamental grass for gardeners to plant in areas of their landscape to add interesting focal points. The bright-white plumes of this grass not only break up areas of green, but also contribute contrasting textures. In addition, you can plant your Ivory Feathers dwarf pampas grass in areas of the yard that experience drought. This grass will also help with erosion on hillsides. It is important to follow the growing requirements of this ornamental grass, to maintain its health and vigor.
Muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) is also known as pink hair grass, referring to its attractive fall pink plumes. The entire plant is 3 feet tall, with its flowers making up the last foot of height. It grows in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 11, where you can plant it year-round. The plant's clumps self-sow and multiply every season, making it inexpensive for you to expand your ornamental grass border -- or start a new one elsewhere -- by dividing established plants or planting their seeds.
Muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris), a type of ornamental grass native to North America, produces attractive clusters of pink to purple flowers that cover the foliage in late summer through fall. The showy grass can reach heights of up to 3 feet with an equal spread and its wispy appearance makes it a popular border plant. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5 through 10, muhly grass performs well in most areas of the country. It requires only minimal care once established and even tolerates periods of neglect.
Bermuda grass thrives in hot temperatures, high sunlight conditions and shallow soil, making it well-suited for lawns in Arizona. Like most other plants, however, Bermuda grass needs regular watering and fertilizer treatments to meet its full growth potential, especially when exposed to the grueling Arizona summer. While Bermuda grass does require supplemental watering, it needs less water on a less frequent schedule than other, less heat-tolerant grasses.
Also known as "Fireworks," variegated purple fountain grass has earned both its titles with its impressive display of alternating purple and green blades. This grass grows in clumps and can be planted either directly in your yard or in a container. Because of its clumpy nature, it doesn't make for ideal ground cover, but instead as an accent piece in key parts of your yard. It is a low-maintenance plant and won't require much work to both keep healthy and put on a full display.
Fertilizer helps improve your grass's health, encouraging strong foliage growth and deep roots. But too much fertilizer -- more than a pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, according to the Clemson University Cooperative Extension -- can chemically burn your grass and leave it looking brown and wilted. If you've burned your grass this way, several care tips can help you restore your lawn's health and quickly bring your grass back to its lush, green appearance.
Dwarf pampas grass -- Cortaderia selloana Pumila -- is an ornamental grass. On average it grows 3 to 6 feet tall, which is smaller than the full size pampas grass plant. Aside from being smaller, it is also more cold-hardy that its larger cousin. Dwarf pampas grass is tolerant to U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones as low as 6. The plant has gray-green leaves with serrated edges. It blooms with a silvery white plumes in the late summer.
Bermuda grass tolerates the high summer temperatures in the desert regions of the southwest United States. A perennial grass, Bermuda goes dormant during the winter months. For a winter lawn, you must overseed with ryegrass; the dormant Bermuda grass will emerge again during warm weather. Hardy and resistant to high traffic, Bermuda grass is a good choice for desert region lawns.
Corkscrew grass, known botanically as Juncus effusus spiralis, is a perennial wetland plant prized for its exotic-looking, curling form. Corkscrew grass grows best on the edges of marshes, ponds and water gardens where the soil is frequently flooded; it can also be grown indoors as a houseplant. Grow corkscrew grass outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 4 through 10.
Bermuda grass is a deep-rooted grass that grows 15 to 24 inches tall. It is most productive in South Carolina in June, July and August when the quality of other cool-season grasses is not good. The grass is beneficial in South Carolina because it can tolerate drought and salt and has excellent wear. It turns brown during its dormant period in winter. Plant Bermuda grass in well-tilled, loose soil. The seeds can be broadcast or drilled into the ground, to a depth of 1/4 inch. Use 4 to 8 lb. of Bermuda grass seed per acre.
The term "Korean grass" refers to two types of zoysiagrass: Zoysia japonica or Zoysia tenuifolia. Z. japonica is the only zoysia species that can be grown from seed; it has coarser blades and is more cold-tolerant that Z. tenuifolia, but their care requirements are relatively similar.
St. Augustine grass is a turf grass commonly grown along coastal areas of the United States because it needs mild winter temperatures. The grass tolerates a range of soil types but not waterlogged or dry conditions, according to Texas A&M University's AgriLife Extension Service. It will survive with little care, but some attention will help it to grow better.
A warm-season perennial turf grass, St Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) can withstand the hot, humid conditions of the the southern United States. The grass produces a dense, coarse-textured green turf.
Ornamental grasses provide winter interest to the landscape. Even after the foliage dies, the tall, vertical grass blades and dried seed add an attractive focal point to the yard while providing seed for overwintering birds. Most ornamental grasses are low maintenance throughout the growing season, but they may need some early winter care in order to look their best during the cold season. Proper winter care also gives you some control over when the grass begins actively growing again in spring.
St. Augustine grass, also called Stenotaphrum secundatum, is a warm-season grass that has thick blades and dark green coloring. It is a fast-growing grass variety commonly found in the southern U.S. states. The grass is extremely adaptable to a variety of regions, including moderately dry climates as well as coastal areas that have saline soils. Caring for St. Augustine grass requires a variety of tasks throughout the growing season but is similar to caring for other grasses.
Hardy pampas grass (Erianthus ravennae), native to Europe, is an upright ornamental grass with an attractive arching shape that, when in bloom, can reach heights of 14 feet at maturity. The showy, silvery-white blooms appear above the foliage in late summer or early fall, soon turning a buff-gray color that lasts well into the winter months. A sturdy ornamental that requires virtually no maintenance, hardy pampas grass can tolerate cooler northern climates better than standard pampas grass, and is tolerant to USDA zones 5 to 9.
Lemon grass is a versatile herb with uses as a spice, medicine and in beauty products. This plant is widely used in Thai and other Southeast Asia recipes; it also has antifungal and insect-repelling properties; and it is an ingredient in shampoos, soaps and lotions. When you grow your own lemon grass, you also have the privilege of enjoying a cup of fresh lemon grass tea and its sweet lemony flavor any time you want.
As the days start to get longer and the sun warmer, homeowners' winter break is over and the ritual of spring grass treatments begins again. With the right tools and information, you can easily have the healthiest lawn in the neighborhood.
Bermuda grass is a hearty grass that thrives in the southern United States; it doesn't require a lot of water and withstands the heat of the southern summers. Bermuda grass is a low growing grass and spreads readily without reseeding. However, it does not do well in shade. You do need to mow it properly and carefully, aerate it from time to time and although it is drought resistant, it will spread more readily if you water it regularly.
Bermuda grass is extremely popular in the southern part of the United States. A transplant from Africa, Bermuda grass is especially suited to the warm climate of the South. Bermuda grass can take rough treatment and survive droughts. It also has a high growth rate, allowing it to choke out weeds and avoid needing heavy doses of herbicide. Maintaining Bermuda grass is quite simple and only requires standard gardening tools.
Celebrity Bermuda grass is a perennial that is natural to tropical and sub-tropical zones. This type of grass is a favorite of golf courses, sports fields and parks. The Bermuda grass strain was brought to America in the 1500s by Spaniards from Africa. Celebrity Bermuda grass is easy to care for and can provide a lush, dark, green lawn. Celebrity Bermuda grass will go dormant in temperatures that drop below 60 degrees F and should be planted only in warm-growing regions.
Used on putting greens, Bermuda grass is also one of the most common grass types found in Texas. It does well in the Lone Star State because it grows well in the sun and stays green during the summertime. According to HGTV master gardener Paul James, Bermuda grass thrives in warm, sunny climates. This makes Bermuda grass ideal for the hot Texas environment. It is generally low maintenance and easy to care for.
Different types of grass require different kinds of care depending on the climate, soil conditions and grass variation requirements. Some general care guidelines apply to all types of grass, and specific tips about regions and unique grass species help lawn gardeners in a variety of climates. In general, grass care requires a few simple maintenance steps, a few supplies and some time.
Wildly popular in Victorian times, planting ornamental grasses is all the rage again thanks to characteristics including ease of care, drought resistance and multiseason novelty. These large perennial grasses decorate the landscape in striking or subtle ways, depending on height, plume or seed head size, color, movement, sound and even how well they harmonize or contrast with other plants. Think carefully about what you want from ornamental grasses, and then make their care a breeze by planning--and planting--accordingly.
Blue festuca grass is a favorite among gardeners who use this grass in rock gardens, as bordering plants and as focal points in garden beds. These plants can be grown in zones 4 to 8. To find out what your plant hardiness zone is, check out the USDA's Plant Hardiness Zone map. In addition, you want to find a location in your yard that has well draining soil and receives full sunlight. Plant blue festuca grass to add interesting color to your home garden.
Feather reed grass grows in vertical clumps that measure three to five feet at maturity. This ornamental, water-loving grass prefers to grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) hardiness zones 5 through 9, where the average winter temperature remains greater than -20 degrees F. Tolerant of both dry and wet soil, the deep green foliage of feather reed grass complements the white flowers it produces during the summer months. If you live within zones 5 through 9 and plan to grow feather reed grass in your landscape, you will find that the grass requires little care once established.
Organic grasses, those grown without the use of pesticides and insecticides, require special care in order to grow green and lush. The most important steps in organic grass maintenance are watering and mowing.
Keeping your yard looking attractive can be a challenge, especially when dealing with unpredictable Mother Nature. Some grasses can help make your lawn look beautiful while remaining easy to maintain. Dwarf grasses are among those that need only a little care and tolerate a wide variety of natural elements.
Ribbon grass is a clumping ornamental plant featuring vibrant tan and green vertical stripes. You can plant this grass in decorative beds, along walkways or in container gardens. Ribbon grass is hardy in zones 4 to 9 and tolerates both full sun and part shade. Ribbon grass is known scientifically as Phalaris arundinacea. This grass spreads up to 2 feet and reaches a maximum height of 2 to 3 feet.
Miscanthus sinensis, commonly known as maiden grass, is a clump-forming, ornamental grass native to China. Maiden grass features narrow, arching leaves and tall, feathery inflorescences in late summer or early fall. Most cultivars of maiden grass grow well in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9, but some are cold hardy only to zones 6 or 7. Dwarf cultivars may only reach 3 feet in height, while larger cultivars may grow up to 15 feet tall.
Taking care of a new lawn involves a lot more than merely limiting traffic over the seedlings for a few weeks. The level of lawn care you give while the grass is young can have a dramatic effect on the depth of the roots, and, ultimately, the health of the lawn. Whether you planted grass seed, laid down sod or plugs, or started your lawn from sprigs or stolons, using the right lawn care early on can help your grass thrive.
There is a large assortments of ornamental grasses, most of which are perennials and will continue coming back each year. None of these grasses completely die out over the winter, they simply turn brown but remain just as tall. So the question is, how do you maintain and care for these grasses in the springtime? Well, it's really very simple, and ornamental grasses are hardy so don't worry about damaging them.
Maiden grass, is a large and bending grass that forms thick groups of green foliage. It's most often used in landscapes for textured and striking foliage. Maiden grass requires a spot in the landscape that gets at least a half day of full sun. There are numerous varieties that offer beautiful colors of leaves such as yellow, white and red. This grass grows up to 10 feet tall and can be grown in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) zones 4 through 9. Maiden grass does require care beyond that of most other grasses.
Your lawn is the first thing someone sees when coming over so be sure to make the right impression with a healthy green lawn. A burned or scorched lawn is grass that has become brown or withered, but it can be treated.
Pampas grass is a fast-growing ornamental grass that reaches heights of up to 20 feet when at the peak of the growing season. It is best grown as an accent or a back drop for other plants. Pampas grass is a low maintenance accent that is drought tolerant and fairly resistant to pests and diseases. Caring for it is not difficult. With a little knowledge of the environment on which the plants thrive, you will soon have thick, healthy pampas grass.
Floratam grass, also called St. Augustine grass, is a commonly grown lawn grass. Floratam grass requires a higher level of care than other types of grasses and is much easier to kill. However, given the right treatment and fertilization, even St. Augustine grass that has begun to turn brown and wither can still be revived. As with any type of lawn problem, the best cure is prevention. Knowing how to grow healthy floratam grass is the easiest way to keep it from turning brown.
Mexican feather grass is an attractive bunch grass that is easy to grow, free of pests, and resistant to drought. The plant consists of graceful, soft blades that move with the slightest of breezes. Its beauty and resilience makes Mexican feather grass an ideal ornamental grass for landscaping. Incorporate regular watering with proper soil conditions to ensure your grass will thrive.
Centipedegrass is slow-growing, low-maintenance turf that is particularly adaptable to the sandy, acidic soils of the southeastern United States. Centipedegrass does not fare well with heavy traffic, so it is used in parks, golf courses and as utility turf. On athletic fields, the grass would only be trampled. According to the Texas Cooperative Extension, centipede grass is so low-maintenance it is called the "lazy man's grass." With a little knowledge of care and how to prevent pests, you can have a full, lush lawn of centipedegrass within three months.
Pampas grass is an attractive and hardy ornamental grass which is nearly trouble-free once well established. It grows in clumps which grow 8 to 10 feet high and wide. Its most distinctive feature is the silver-white to pinkish feathery plumes which appear in the summer and last until autumn. These plumes are popular in dried arrangements and other interior decor.
Muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaries) is an ornamental grass native to North America. Muhly grass produces billowing, delicate and stunning masses of pink blooms late in the summer that last until they are killed by frost. The flower stalks can reach as high as six feet and the clump can spread out as far as five feet. This low maintenance ornamental grass can tolerate drought conditions, high heat, humidity and poor soils.
Bermuda grass is a tough grass that can withstand droughts. It is popular in the Southern United States, although many people don't like it because of how quickly it can spread into gardens and other landscaped areas. Bermuda grass is easy to manage, though not always easy to mow.
Pink pampas grass is a popular ornamental that needs little care. It can grow to a height of 6 to10 feet and its late summer blooms can reach up to 3 feet long. The plant originates from South America and grows best in the zones 7 to 10, mostly the southern and west United States. These hardy plants are susceptible to fungal diseases so it's best to take preventive measures.
Since its discovery in Florida in 1935, Pensacola variety Bahia grass has become the most popular Bahia grass planted today. It is most frequently used in pastures and along roadsides rather than in lawns due to its high volume of seedheads. Pensacola Bahia grass has a good tolerance for drought because of an expanding root system. It can also be planted farther north than some Bahia grasses since it can handle a small degree of colder weather and colder soil.
Sea oats grass, scientifically called uniola paniculata, is a tall beach grass that grows on sand dunes. Sea oats are native to southern Gulf and Atlantic coasts from Texas to Virginia. They are not technically oats, but have seed clusters that resemble oat cereal grains. According to Floridata.com, sea oat leaves can grow up to 2 feet long and 1 inch wide, while the stem can reach 6 feet in height. Sea oats help trap sand and keep dunes intact, which is extremely important not only for protecting the coastline but also for areas inland.
Ornamental grass is a beautiful addition to any landscaping design. Ornamental grasses are perennials, which means that they become dormant in the winter and active again in the spring. Ornamental grass is easy to plant and easy to maintain, making it hassle-free. Some popular types of ornamental grass include Little Zebra, which is spiky and yellowish-green in color, and the Northern Pampas, which can grow as tall as five feet and has a wheat-like appearance.
Purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum') is a showy plant that is popular as both a bedding plant and a container plant. It has reddish foliage and showy purple flowers. Although valued as an accent plant because of its ornamental features, it is not native to the U.S. and is considered mildly invasive. Purple fountain grass is easy to grow and requires little care.
Pampas grass is an ornamental grass frequently grown in Southern gardens. However, it's hardy in most areas of the United States and will thrive in any rich soil. During the flowering season, pampas grass grows large plumes that extend from the top of each clump. The regal look of these plumes prompted the plant's name. Pampas grass generally grows about 8 feet high and 6-8 feet wide.
Bermuda grass has specific growing requirements that make it one of the most desirable lawns in the United States. Knowing how to care for your Bermuda lawn throughout the changing seasons will help you maintain the best lawn in the neighborhood. Seasonal care for Bermuda grass is the secret to a weed-resistant, lush, green Bermuda grass lawn.
Beautiful lawns do not just happen on their own. People have to take the proper steps to make sure that the lawn is green, healthy and free of weeds. It may seem like a lot of work at first but once you get into a routine it will not take a lot time out of your day. Grass is a living plant that has to be properly cut, watered, and cared for.
Pampas grass is a large, elegant ornamental grass that can grow to over 10 feet in height and is commonly used in landscaping as a natural screening. The plumes produced by pampas grass are often used in dry arrangements and home decor.
Ornamental grasses give texture to any gardening landscape. They're simple to grow and easy to care for. It's important to know how to fertilize, prune, water, and divide your ornamental grasses. Keeping your planters free from weeds and other invasive plants that can kill your grasses is also important.
Many people are looking for attractive and environmentally friendly alternatives to the traditional lawn. Whether you hope to cut your water consumption, stop using large amounts of fertilizers or just want to spend less time on yard work, buffalo grass is a good choice.
