Top 10 Ornamental Grasses for Container Gardening

With so many different types of plants available for container gardening, it can be overwhelming to know which ones to choose.

In this blog post, I will be sharing my top 10 favorite ornamental grasses for container gardening.

Not only are these grasses beautiful, but they’re also easy to grow and care for, making them a great choice for gardeners of all skill levels.

By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of what types of containers, soil, and care these grasses need, as well as tips for how to pair them with other plants to create beautiful container gardens.

Let’s dive right in!

Choosing the Best Container

When it comes to selecting a container for ornamental grasses, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, you will want to choose a container that is large enough to allow the grasses to grow to their full height and spread. As a general rule of thumb, a container that is at least 18 inches in diameter and 12 inches deep should be sufficient for most varieties of ornamental grasses, although some larger varieties may require even larger containers.

In terms of materials, there are a number of options to choose from, including clay, ceramic, plastic, and metal. Clay and ceramic pots are popular options because they are known for their durability and breathability. Plastic pots are lightweight and inexpensive, making them a good choice for those on a budget. Metal pots, such as those made from stainless steel or copper, can be quite attractive and are often used in more modern or industrial settings.

Whatever type of container you choose, make sure that it has good drainage. Ornamental grasses do not like to sit in water, so it is important to choose a container that has drainage holes in the bottom. If you are using a container without drainage holes, you will need to add a layer of gravel or stones to the bottom of the container to help with drainage.

Soil and Fertilizer

Ornamental grasses in containers require well-draining soil that contains plenty of organic matter to promote healthy growth. You can create a custom soil blend by mixing garden soil with compost, sand, and peat moss. Alternatively, you can purchase a pre-packaged potting mix designed for container gardening. When choosing a fertilizer, look for one that is high in nitrogen, which will encourage lush, green growth. You should also consider adding a slow-release fertilizer to the soil mix to provide ongoing nutrition throughout the growing season. An organic fertilizer, such as fish emulsion or blood meal, can also be used to help keep your ornamental grasses healthy and vibrant. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when fertilizing your container plants.

Watering and Maintenance

Proper watering and maintenance are critical to the health and longevity of ornamental grasses in containers. As a rule of thumb, you should water your grasses whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot and other problems.

When watering, be sure to water deeply to encourage deep root growth. A good technique is to water until you see water coming out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the container. This ensures that the roots are fully hydrated, while also preventing water from accumulating in the bottom of the container.

In addition to watering, regular maintenance is also important. Remove any dead or diseased leaves as soon as you notice them, as they can provide a breeding ground for pests and disease. You should also fertilize your ornamental grasses every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to encourage healthy growth.

Finally, be aware that ornamental grasses can be susceptible to pests and disease, so keep an eye out for any signs of trouble. Common problems include aphids, spider mites, and fungal diseases like rust and powdery mildew. If you notice any issues, address them promptly to prevent them from spreading to your other plants.

By following these simple watering and maintenance guidelines, you can ensure that your ornamental grasses thrive in their container garden setting.

Light Requirements

Knowing the light requirements of the ornamental grass you choose is important for its successful growth in a container. Different varieties of grasses have different light requirements, so it is essential to research the specific species that you are interested in growing.

Some ornamental grasses thrive in full sun, while others prefer partial shade. For example, Purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’) and Blue fescue (Festuca glauca) need full sunlight to grow well, while Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra) and Ribbon grass (Phalaris arundinacea) need partial shade to thrive.

Keep in mind that the amount of light your container receives will also depend on its location. Containers placed in areas with southern exposure will receive more sunlight than those in areas with northern exposure. You can move the containers around to ensure they get the right amount of light.

If you’re unsure about the light requirements of the ornamental grass you choose, you can always consult with a local nursery or garden center for advice. With the right amount of light, your ornamental grass container garden can thrive and become a beautiful addition to your home.

Top 10 Ornamental Grasses for Container Gardening

Ornamental grasses are a great addition to a container garden. They add texture, movement, and color that complements other plants. Here are the top 10 ornamental grasses for container gardening:

1. Feather Reed Grass: Feather Reed Grass is a popular variety due to its upright habit and pinkish flowers that appear throughout the summer. It can grow up to 6 feet tall and is great for adding height to a container garden.

2. Japanese Forest Grass: Japanese Forest Grass is a low-growing grass that is perfect for containers with limited space. It has an attractive golden color and grows to be about 1-2 feet tall.

3. Maiden Grass: Maiden Grass is another tall-growing grass that can reach up to 8 feet tall. It has a beautiful feathery plume that adds interest to any container garden.

4. Blue Fescue: Blue Fescue is a low-maintenance grass that has a blue-green color that stands out from other plants. It only grows to be about 8-10 inches tall, making it perfect for containers near the front of a display.

5. Fountain Grass: Fountain Grass is another low-maintenance grass that is great for containers. It is known for its pretty foxtail-like blooms that appear in the summer months.

6. Purple Fountain Grass: Purple Fountain Grass is a popular variety due to its deep purple foliage and pretty blooms. It can grow up to 3-4 feet tall and adds a pop of color to any container garden.

7. Switch Grass: Switch Grass is a versatile grass that works well in containers. It grows to be about 3-4 feet tall and has a lovely reddish-purple color.

8. Zebra Grass: Zebra Grass is a tall-growing grass that has striking yellow bands on its leaves. It adds a unique texture to a container garden and can grow up to 8 feet tall.

9. Little Bluestem: Little Bluestem is a low-maintenance grass that has a silvery blue-green color. It grows to be about 2-4 feet tall and adds a naturalistic look to a container garden.

10. Northern Sea Oats: Northern Sea Oats is a low-growing grass that is perfect for containers with limited space. It has light green leaves that turn bronze in the fall and pretty seedheads that add interest to a container garden.

When choosing which ornamental grasses to include in your container garden, be sure to consider their growth habits, care requirements, and how they will complement other plants in the container. By choosing the right varieties, you can create a visually appealing container garden that will thrive throughout the growing season.

Pairing with Other Plants

When it comes to container gardening, adding other plants to your container of ornamental grasses can make for a stunning display. Mixing foliage colors, textures, and heights can make for a visually appealing container garden.

When selecting plants to pair with your ornamental grasses, it is important to consider their growth habits and water requirements. Some plants may require more water than others, which can make it difficult to maintain the optimal moisture levels for your grasses.

Some plants that work well with ornamental grasses include:

• Sedum: This succulent has a low water requirement and pairs nicely with taller grasses like maiden grass or fountain grass.
• Coneflower: The bright colors of this flowering plant pair well with the muted tones of ornamental grasses.
• Lantana: This flowering plant thrives in hot weather and pairs well with smaller ornamental grasses like blue fescue.
• Petunia: These annual flowers add a pop of color to a container garden and work well with most varieties of ornamental grasses.

Pairing plants with different foliage textures can also create interest in a container garden. For example, pairing a spiky grass with a rounded, leafy plant can create a visually appealing contrast.

Overall, when pairing plants with your ornamental grasses, it is important to consider their water requirements, growth habits, and aesthetic appeal. With some thoughtful planning, you can create a stunning container garden that incorporates the beauty of ornamental grasses.

Design Ideas

When it comes to designing a container garden with ornamental grasses, the possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Creating a focal point: Ornamental grasses can be used to create a focal point in a container garden. For example, a tall, upright grass like Miscanthus works well as a centerpiece in a container surrounded by smaller, lower-growing plants like petunias or lobelia.

• Pairing with complementary plants: Ornamental grasses can be paired with other plants to create striking combinations. For example, the soft, feathery plumes of fountain grass (Pennisetum) look great when paired with the red, spiky flowers of celosia.

• Mixing textures: Experimenting with different textures is key to creating visual interest in a container garden. Mixing a spiky grass like blue fescue with a soft, trailing plant like creeping Jenny creates a unique, eye-catching combination.

• Varying heights: Varying the height of plants in a container garden creates depth and dimension. Combining a tall, architectural grass like switchgrass with a trailing plant like sweet potato vine creates a visually appealing contrast.

• Adding color: While ornamental grasses are often known for their neutral color palette, there are many varieties that can add a pop of color to a container garden. For example, the pink flowers of pink muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) create a stunning addition to any container.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations and designs to create a container garden that is uniquely your own.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, container gardening with ornamental grasses is an excellent way to add beauty and texture to any outdoor space.

Whether you live in a house or an apartment, container gardening is a flexible and versatile option that can work for anyone.

I hope that this guide has given you the information you need to get started with container gardening and that you are inspired to try it out for yourself.

Now, I’d like to hear from you.

Which of the top 10 ornamental grasses for container gardening are you most excited to try?

Let me know by sending me a message, I’d love to hear from you!

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Thanks for reading!