Collection: Ornamental Grass

What are the best-known and most popular ornamental grass varieties?

Within the range of ornamental grasses, there are a few absolute favorites that fit into virtually any garden. These ornamental grasses combine an elegant appearance with a strong character:

• Chinese Fountain Grass / Lampenpoetsergras (Pennisetum alopecuroides): Highly valued for its fluffy, brush-like plumes that appear in late summer.
• Maiden Grass / Prachtriet (Miscanthus sinensis): An imposing, tall ornamental grass that is ideal as an eye-catcher or natural garden boundary.
• Japanese Blood Grass (Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron'): Instantly stands out thanks to its bright red leaf tips.
• Blue Fescue / Blauw schapengras (Festuca glauca): A compact, evergreen ornamental grass with a striking steel-blue tint.

Thanks to these popular varieties, you can effortlessly bring depth, color, and dynamism to your garden borders.

The benefits of ornamental grass

Adding ornamental grass to your outdoor space brings numerous advantages. First of all, ornamental grasses provide year-round interest: in summer they sway gracefully in the wind, while in winter they form an enchanting silhouette with a layer of frost or snow.

Additionally, ornamental grasses are incredibly low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and rarely susceptible to diseases or pests. They act as natural ground covers that effectively suppress weeds. Moreover, many varieties are exceptionally winter-hardy. Whether you have a modern, sleek city garden or a lush prairie garden, ornamental grass forms the ideal, soothing basis that makes other plants contrast beautifully.

What to consider when buying ornamental grass?

When choosing the perfect ornamental grass, it is important to take a few things into account beforehand:

• Mature height: Some varieties remain compact (20-30 cm), while maiden grass can easily grow up to two meters tall.
• Location and light requirements: Most ornamental grasses require full sun, but varieties like Hakonechloa prefer partial shade.
• Invasive vs. clumping: Preferably choose clumping ornamental grasses; these expand quietly without nuisance spreading through the garden.
• Foliage retention: Decide whether you are looking for an evergreen ornamental grass or a deciduous species that turns brilliant colors in autumn.

Always align your choice well with your garden situation.

What types of ornamental grass are there?

The world of ornamental grasses is enormously versatile. We roughly divide them into two main categories: evergreen and deciduous ornamental grasses. Evergreen variants, such as sedges (Carex) and woodrushes (Luzula), retain their fresh color during the cold winter months and provide continuous structure.

Deciduous species, such as maiden grass, feather grass (Stipa), and moor grass (Molinia), die back above ground in autumn. However, they reward you with enchanting autumn colors and decorative plumes that remain upright well into spring. In addition, ornamental grasses differ by growth height, leaf structure, and inflorescence, varying from fine blades to robust, broad leaves with striking stems.

How and where do I plant my ornamental grass?

Planting ornamental grass is simple, provided you take soil and light conditions into account. Most ornamental grasses require a sunny to lightly shaded spot in well-drained soil; overly wet roots in the winter are disastrous.

Dig a spacious planting hole, loosen the earth thoroughly, and optionally mix some compost or potting soil into the earth for a smooth start. Briefly submerge the root ball in water beforehand. Place the ornamental grass at the same height as in its nursery pot, firm the soil down well, and water generously. Keep sufficient distance from neighboring plants for larger species.

How do I care for my ornamental grass?

The care of ornamental grass requires surprisingly little time, making it an ideal garden plant:

• Pruning deciduous ornamental grass: Cut back dead foliage in late February or early March to approximately 5 to 10 cm above the ground, just before new shoots emerge.
• Care of evergreen ornamental grass: These do not need to be cut back; simply comb out withered leaves by hand in early spring.
• Water and nutrition: Provide extra water during dry summers. A light organic fertilization in spring stimulates healthy, vigorous growth.

This way you can enjoy fresh green foliage year after year.

Buy ornamental grass

Do you want to buy high-quality ornamental grass to enrich your garden, border, or balcony pots? At Plants24 you are at the right address. We exclusively select strong, healthy ornamental grasses from top growers, ensuring you are guaranteed excellent quality and years of garden pleasure.

Whether you are looking for a subtle ground cover or an impressive eye-catcher full of graceful plumes: in our webshop you can easily find the right ornamental grass for every garden wish. Place your order easily online; we ensure careful packaging and fast shipping so that your new ornamental grasses arrive safely and fresh straight to your home.

Frequently asked questions about ornamental grass

When is the best time to prune ornamental grass?

Deciduous ornamental grasses are best pruned in early spring, around late February or early March. Cut the stems back to just above the ground. This way the old foliage protects the plant against severe frost and you can still enjoy the attractive silhouettes in winter.

Is every ornamental grass winter-hardy and evergreen?

Virtually all popular ornamental grasses are exceptionally winter-hardy, but not every ornamental grass is evergreen. Many species, such as maiden grass and fountain grass, die back above ground in winter and sprout again in spring. Species like Carex (sedge) and Festuca retain their green or blue leaf color all year round.

Can ornamental grass also grow in a pot on the balcony or terrace?

Yes, absolutely, many compact ornamental grasses grow brilliantly in pots and planters. Always choose a spacious pot with drainage holes at the bottom so excess rainwater can run off smoothly. Ensure sufficient water on hot summer days, as potting soil dries out faster than open ground in a regular border.

Will ornamental grasses spread invasively in the garden?

Most contemporary ornamental grasses you buy at Plants24 are clumping and do not spread invasively. They gradually become fuller and wider in one fixed spot every year. Only specific bamboo species or certain rare grasses form runners; our selected ornamental grasses stay neatly in their assigned spot in the garden border.