How to Grow Decorative Grasses in Zone 5

Decorative grasses can thrive in Zone 5.

Decorative grasses tend to be low-maintenance plants that work well in any type of landscaping, from formal to a more natural look. For areas in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5, choosing the right grass is important, as it needs to be hardy down to -20 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit. Some good choices for Zone 5 include the following decorative grasses: silky thread grass, Japanese sedge, northern sea oats, velvet grass, Japanese blood grass, fountain grass and plume grass. Most decorative grasses are adaptable to various soil conditions and climate changes and are virtually care-free.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Organic compost
• Garden hose
• Fertilizer
• Pruning shears

Instructions

1. Plant decorative grass in a location that receives full sun all day. Keep the plants away from buildings and out from underneath tall trees, all of which can create too much shade.

2. Grow decorative grasses in soil that has been well-prepared in the spring as soon as the last frost is predicted. Dig down to a depth of 1 foot and remove any large clods of dirt and large rocks. Work in about 2 inches of organic compost or other organic material to create a well-draining soil.

3. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the plant's root ball. If you're planting more than one grass together, space them approximately 2 feet apart. Place the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil's surface. Fill the hole with dirt and tamp down firmly around the base of the grass.

4. Water the newly planted grass with a garden or soaker hose, letting the water run slowly for about 30 minutes to thoroughly soak the root ball. Water on a regular basis four to five times a week until the plant is well-established and growth begins. Once the grass is established and growing well, rainfall should provide sufficient moisture.

5. Fertilize decorative grasses with a high-nitrogen food (10-5-5) to encourage strong roots and healthy grass. Apply fertilizer in early spring before active growth begins or immediately after planting. Apply fertilizer only once a year to avoid too much overgrowth, which can result in weak, floppy grass.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not water decorative grass overhead to avoid disease on the leaves.

References

• Colorado State University Extension: Ornamental Grasses
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Considerations for Selection and Use of Ornamental Grasses

Resources

• USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map