Native Ornamental Grasses for New England
Introduction
Ornamental grasses are a beautiful and low-maintenance alternative to traditional turf grass, especially in the Northeast. With their interesting textures and graceful movements, they add visual interest to any landscape.
Choosing Native Ornamental Grasses
When selecting ornamental grasses for New England, it’s important to choose native species. Native grasses are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, making them more resilient and easier to care for.
Some popular native ornamental grasses for the Northeast include:
- Indian Grass: Tall, clumping grass with blue-green foliage and feathery seed heads.
- Purple Love Grass: Shorter grass with lovely clouds of purple seed heads.
- Little Bluestem: Dense and compact grass with gorgeous blue foliage that turns orange and red in autumn.
- Switchgrass: Tall grass with green foliage that turns red in fall, and long red panicles.
- Big Bluestem: One of the tallest and most attractive native grasses, with blue-green summer foliage that turns fiery colors in fall.
Caring for Native Ornamental Grasses
Native ornamental grasses are generally easy to care for, but they do have some specific needs:
- Soil: They prefer well-drained soil, even poor soil.
- Water: They are drought tolerant but need regular watering, especially during the first summer after planting.
- Fertilizer: They need little or no fertilizer.
- Mowing: They only need to be cut back once a year, in fall or spring.
- Dividing: Divide grass clumps every three to five years to keep them healthy and vigorous.
Benefits of Native Ornamental Grasses
Native ornamental grasses offer several benefits, including:
- Beauty: They add color, texture, and movement to the landscape.
- Low Maintenance: They require minimal watering, fertilizing, and mowing.
- Adaptability: They are well-suited to a variety of soil and climate conditions.
- Wildlife Habitat: They provide food and shelter for wildlife.
Additional Tips for Choosing and Caring for Native Ornamental Grasses in New England
- Consider the size and shape of the grass when selecting it for your landscape.
- Plant grasses in groups to create a more dramatic effect.
- Use native grasses to create natural borders or screens.
- Water grasses deeply during the first summer after planting, especially during dry spells.
- Divide and replant grasses every three to five years to keep them healthy and prevent overcrowding.
By following these tips, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of native ornamental grasses in your New England landscape for years to come.
