Ornamental Grasses

Today Southern Gardening is at the North Mississippi Research and Extension Center Magnolia Botanical Garden looking at some impressive ornamental grasses. Ornamental grasses are great landscape choices and can add color and interesting texture to any garden. Zebra Grass, a clump-forming grass, is noted for its horizontally banded foliage. It also has long linear leaves that grow up to eight feet tall. The leaf blades are green with irregularly spaced yellow, zebra-striped, horizontal bands which appear at irregular intervals. Zebra Grass does well in our long hot growing season here in the south. One of my all-time favorites is Gulf muhly grass. Gulf muhly grass is a native plant that’s showy in the fall and winter months. In the fall, it produces billowy masses called inflorescences, which resemble pink clouds in the landscape. Select a landscape site for muhly grass that receives at least six hours of full sun during the day. Also, spacing needs to be considered as these plants can grow up to three feet wide and three feet tall. Another eye-catching grass, Strawberries & Cream Ribbon Grass, has long green and white striped blades that cast a delicate rosy hue. Offering three season colors, this ornamental grass adds garden interest when nearby bloomers are taking a break. Strawberries & Cream Ribbon Grass is neither too picky about sun nor soil conditions making it a great choice for those hard-to-plant places. Just make sure to keep your eye on it, as its spreading habit fills areas nicely but can crowd out other plants if not kept in check. As you can see, ornamental grasses can make a beautiful addition to your landscape. I am Eddie Smith, and I will see you next time on Southern Gardening.