How to Care for Ornamental Grass

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.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Water
• Pruning shears
• Fertilizer

1. Plant ornamental grass as far apart as you expect it to grow tall. For example, if your ornamental grass is expected to grow four feet tall, space them four feet apart when planting. Also keep in mind that it may take up to three years for the grass to grow to its full potential.

2. Fertilize the grass as soon as you plant it. Each plant needs no more than one-fourth of a cup of fertilizer with low levels of nitrogen. After that, you only need to fertilize in the early spring. Find a slow-release fertilizer, such as Osmocote, to keep the grass healthy throughout the summer and fall seasons.

3. Water the ornamental grass immediately after you fertilize it and then daily for 20 minutes the first few months. This is necessary to help the grass establish a healthy root system and not die during the hottest months of the year. Once the roots have become well-established, you can water the grass less regularly, such as for 20 minutes every other day, even in the hottest months.

4. Prune the grass once each year, early in the spring before the first growth spurt. Cut the grass down to approximately six inches. Pruning the grass will stimulate it to grow once the weather warms up.

References

• Osmocote Plant Food

Resources

• Growing Guide