home sectionhome section
Perennial ornamental grass grows aggressively, requiring that you divide it every three or four years of growth to keep it an attractive focal point in your garden for many years. Dividing the grass prevents it from over-growing, and lets you cut out the non-producing center area to increase plant growth and keep the grass healthy. The best time to divide ornamental grassis in the fall after the plant begins to fade, or in early spring as the new sprouts begin to emerge from the ground.
Ornamental grasses consist of many different varieties, from low-growing groundcovers to tall pampas grass, which can reach 5 feet tall or more. These grasses propagate by adding underground roots and forming large clumps. As the ornamental grasses age, you must divide them or the interiors will not receive sunlight and begin to die. Dividing the grasses is simply a matter of digging them up and separating the root system into multiple portions.
Ornamental trees form the backbone of the landscape. Trees can define boundaries, provide privacy, block noise and create shade. Trees can even increase your property value. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, mature trees around a home can add up to 20 percent to property values, and the trees themselves can have an appraised value up to $10,000. For a splash of color, plant ornamental trees with blue foliage, flowers or fruits.
Blue fescue grass, known scientifically as Festuca glauca or Festuca ovina var. glauca, is a cool-season grass native to Europe. This grass is prized as an ornamental for its attractive silver-blue foliage, small size, minimal maintenance requirements and fast growth. Multiple varieties of blue fescue provide options regarding color, growth habit and hardiness.
Pampas grass, as its name suggests, is a native of South America. It is grown in USDA zones seven to 11 as a perennial ornamental grass. Its monumental size makes it popular for large landscape projects. Pampas grass matures to a clump measuring eight to 10 feet across. Enthusiastic gardeners in search of an exotic specimen often find their small gardens overwhelmed by the impressive plumes of the female plants.
Ornamental grasses fulfill a number of purposes in the landscape. These attractive grasses provide protection against soil erosion and act as a backdrop to flowers and other ground covers. Ornamental grasses help to naturalize an area and provide a practical alternative to many high-maintenance plants. A variety of different grass plants fall within the broad classification of ornamental blue grass.
The mounds of European blue fescue you see bordering flowerbeds develop with a clumping growth habit in the cold months. The plants reach a maximum height of less than 1 foot and do well in both sun and partial shade. True to its name, blue fescue also produces blue-gray blades. To keep this ornamental grass thriving, divide it once a year in the fall, not only to propagate it, but also to rejuvenate the plant and extend its life.
Ornamental grass doesn't need much maintenance, but can easily grow large and out-of-control in time. Dividing the clumps allows you to plant several new specimens, which gives you more control over where they are placed.
Pampas grass is an ornamental landscape plant that is fast-growing and will fill a large empty space quickly. The grass produces long, tan-colored plumes that add visual interest to any area. It is a highly pest-resistant plant and will tolerate drought conditions well, making it easy to care for. Pampas grass will often die in the middle and turn yellow everywhere else when it is overgrown, so it needs to be divided every few years.
Learn how to divide ornamental grasses, in this free gardening video.
Learn how to examine the roots of ornamental grasses in order to divide the plant correctly, in this free gardening video.
Learn how to divide ornamental grasses, in this free gardening video.
