10 Tall Ornamental Grasses That Add Height to Your Garden

Gardeners looking to add vertical interest and create natural barriers in their landscapes should consider tall ornamental grasses. These fast-growing perennials can reach impressive heights in just a couple of seasons, making them perfect for screening or adding dimension to garden beds. Tall ornamental grasses also offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional privacy solutions.

Here are ten excellent tall grass varieties that will bring height and texture to your garden.

Pampas Grass

With its quick growth and potential to grow up to ten feet tall, pampas grass adds a dramatic touch to gardens. Springtime, when the soil has warmed up, is the best time to plant it. Although pampas grass prefers well-drained soil, it may grow in a range of soil conditions. Comparing it to other ornamental grasses, it is easier to manage because of its strong disease resistance.

Feather Reed Grass

For many gardeners, Feather Reed Grass is a low-maintenance option because of its remarkable resilience to disease. When the weather is nice and the soil is workable, it is usually planted in the spring or fall. Popular cultivars such as ‘Karl Foerster’ are valued for their reddish-brown flower plumes that persist through the seasons, appearing in early summer and adding visual interest even in the winter. They are also renowned for their upright growing habit.

Miscanthus

Miscanthus is renowned for growing quickly; in just one growing season, it can reach heights of up to 12 feet. Usually, this grass is sown in the spring when the ground has warmed up and absorbed sufficient moisture. Miscanthus requires well-drained soil for optimum development, but it can withstand a variety of soil types, making it tolerant of a wide range of growing environments.

Switchgrass

Switchgrass can handle a variety of soil types, including sandy or clay, and is frequently utilized for erosion control and restoration projects. It usually grows best in well-drained soils. It is best planted in the spring and, once established, takes little care, making it a low-maintenance option for many landscapers. Because of its remarkable resistance to disease, this grass is more appealing as a durable and dependable perennial in a variety of environmental settings.

Giant Reed

When the soil starts to warm up in the spring, giant reed is usually planted. This plant develops quickly; in just one growing season, it can reach heights of up to 20 feet. While it may tolerate a variety of soil types, the Giant Reed has particular soil requirements and thrives best in moist, well-drained soil.

Blue Oat Grass

Blue oat grass can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and grows best in well-draining soil. It grows at a modest rate and reaches maturity in a few growing seasons. This robust grass is suitable for a variety of regions and is typically planted in the spring. It can withstand light frosts.

Ravenna Grass

Ravenna grass grows quickly; in a single season, it can reach heights of up to 12 feet. It typically shows seasonal changes in colors, turning from green in spring and summer to shades of tan and bronze in the fall. The plant is a flexible choice for many settings since it can grow in a range of soil types, including sandy, clay, and loam soils, as long as they drain well.

Fountain Grass

For optimal effects, fountain grass should be planted in the spring or early summer, when temperatures are still warm enough for the roots to form before falling. Under ideal circumstances, this ornamental grass grows at a moderate pace and can reach its peak height in just one growing season. Its strong resilience to disease makes it a dependable option for gardeners seeking sturdy, low-maintenance leaves.

Japanese Blood Grass

Because Japanese blood grass grows in nearly any type of well-drained soil, it can be used in a variety of garden environments. This plant has eye-catching red-tipped leaves that changes color seasonally as fall approaches. Occasional trimming is advised, especially during the growing season, to keep it compact and control spreading.

Pink Muhly Grass

Known for its delicate pink fall feathers, Pink Muhly Grass usually grows best in well-drained, sandy or loamy soils. It is best planted in the spring, when there is plenty of time for the grass to establish itself before the growth season. Because of its speedy growth rate, it’s a popular choice for gardeners who want to add some color and texture to a room quickly.