Ornamental grasses, whether perennial or annual, are true gems in the garden, gracefully bending with every breeze and capturing the sunlight. How to resist these graphic plants that bring texture and movement to the garden?
Cultivation Card:
Hardiness: Up to -20°C or more
Flowering: From May to October
Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
Soil: Variable depending on the species
Height: From 15 cm to 3.50 m
Uses: Borders, flower arrangements, rock gardens, slopes
Perennial Species:
Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana)
Height: 1 to 3 m
Flowering: From September to October
Description: Forms large clumps of long, narrow, sharp-edged, bluish-green leaves. Produces large silver plumes that persist throughout the winter. Requires plenty of space and warmth. It’s invasive.
Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca)
Height: 15 to 20 cm
Flowering: From June to July
Description: Forms dense clumps of long, stiff, blue leaves with straw-colored stems. Ideal for sunny situations and dry, chalky soils.
Blue Oat Grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens)
Height: From 40 cm to 1.20 m
Flowering: From June to July
Description: Forms upright clumps of narrow, bluish leaves. Produces blonde spikes tinged with purple in summer.
Miscanthus
Height: From 1.50 to 3.50 m
Flowering: From August to October
Description: Forms dense clumps of long, narrow, light green, bluish, or purple leaves, sometimes pendulous, with a silver line in the middle. Its loose spikes are formed by silky spikelets. In autumn, both the leaves and the spikes take on reddish tones.
Molinia
Height: From 80 cm to 1.80 m
Flowering: From August to September
Description: Very fine, swaying, dark green leaves. Its spikes are grouped in thin panicles, ideal for making light bouquets from August to October.
Uses and Cultivation:
Grasses are easy to grow, as long as they are given enough space and placed in the sun. Some require rich, deep soils, while others prefer light, poor soils.
Prepare ample space for planting and be sure to clean it annually, leaving room for new shoots to appear in early spring.
Ornamental grasses shine in borders, rock gardens, slopes, and combined with other perennials or shrubs.
Ornamental grasses bring natural beauty and unique charm to any garden, with their gentle movement and delicate texture, they are essential for creating captivating landscape compositions.
