Swaying ornamental grasses in autumn colours in a modern garden border

Planting30 January 20264 min

Choosing ornamental grasses for your garden

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The magic of ornamental grasses

Ornamental grasses do something no other plant can: they catch the wind. A border with grasses moves, rustles and changes with the light. In the morning, dewdrops glisten on the blades. In autumn, the plumes turn gold and copper-brown. Even in winter, frosted seed heads create a stunning silhouette. Garden centres and specialist nurseries expand their range every year.

With GardenWorld you can preview how plants will look in your actual garden. Try ornamental grasses in your border and discover how they transform the overall picture.

Tall grasses as focal points

Miscanthus sinensis (silver grass) is king among tall grasses. Reaches 150 to 200 centimetres and plumes generously in late summer. 'Gracillimus' has fine blades, 'Malepartus' stands out with reddish plumes. Plant as a specimen or in groups of three.

Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' grows upright and narrow, ideal for a modern garden. Reaches 170 centimetres but only 60 wide. Plumes from June and holds its shape all winter.

Panicum virgatum (switch grass) offers stunning autumn colour. 'Shenandoah' turns deep burgundy. Reaches 120 centimetres and tolerates drought.

Low grasses for the border

Festuca glauca (blue fescue) forms compact blue tussocks of 30 centimetres. Perfect as edging or grouped between lavender and salvia. Handles dry soil.

Hakonechloa macra is a shade-loving grass with elegant, arching blades. The golden cultivar 'Aureola' lights up dark corners. Reaches 40 centimetres.

Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance' is evergreen with white-edged leaves. Thrives in shade and partial shade. Forms dense clumps of 30 centimetres.

Combining ornamental grasses

Grasses work best alongside flowering perennials. Their neutral tones and loose texture provide a calming counterpoint to colourful blooms. Pair tall grasses with rudbeckia, echinacea and sedum for a naturalistic look. Low grasses sit well next to hostas, heuchera and geraniums.

Plant grasses in odd numbers. Three clumps of miscanthus beside a group of coneflowers makes more impact than a single specimen. Alternate grasses with plants that have a completely different leaf structure.

Planting and maintenance

The best time to plant ornamental grasses is spring, from March to May. The plant then has all summer to root in. Grasses like well-drained soil and most species want sun. Only hakonechloa and some carex prefer shade.

Feed sparingly. Too much nutrition makes grasses floppy and prone to falling over. An annual layer of compost in spring is sufficient.

Cutting back

Cut grasses back in early spring, around late February or early March. The winter structure is too valuable to remove in autumn. Trim the entire clump to 10 to 15 centimetres above ground. Wear gloves because the blades can be sharp. Tie large clumps together with twine first, then cut in one go.

Ornamental grasses in pots

Many grasses perform brilliantly in large pots on the terrace. Choose a pot at least 40 centimetres across and ensure good drainage. Pennisetum, miscanthus and small carex species are excellent choices for containers.

Mind the winter protection for pots. Roots freeze faster in a container than in open ground. Wrap the pot in bubble wrap or stand it against a sheltered wall.