Because ornamental grass requires so little upkeep and is so beautiful, many gardeners choose to replace their turf grass with it. If you belong to this group, spend the time you need to choose an attractive grass species that will thrive in your region. The goal is to choose a local species. If you live in the Northeast of the country, you will be glad to know that there are various naturally attractive species of grass in New England.
New England Ornamental Grasses
In the Northeast, ornamental grass is a great alternative to turf. New England ornamental grasses are attractive, with intriguing texture and movement, and need very little upkeep. They may flourish practically everywhere that is sunny and has well-drained soil because of their high adaptability.
Selecting native grasses from the Mid-Atlantic region ensures you will get a very cold-hardy species that have adapted to the region’s environment. Typically warm-season grasses, these natural ornamentals grow quickly in the spring and summer, flower in the late summer or autumn, and remain dormant throughout the winter. Native grasses are superior in general. For landscapes in New Hampshire, consider a few of the following species.
Native Ornamental Grasses Northeast
When planted in the proper area, native ornamental grasses for New England should be durable in USDA zones 3 and 4. Although the grasses have a variety of appearances, they are all gracefully beautiful. Here are a few to think about:
Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans) is 8 feet (2 m) tall, clumping grass with blue-green leaves and a fluffy seed head that is toasted brown. Indian grass is hardy to USDA zone 3 and requires a sunny location.
Eragrostis spectabilis, sometimes known as purple love grass, is a shorter grass that only reaches a height of 2 feet (61 cm) while producing gorgeous clouds of purple seed heads. Purple love grass does well in bulk plantings and prefers dry soil.
Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a wonderful option if you like colourful ornamental grass. Beautiful blue foliage that turns orange and crimson in the fall and purple seed heads are features of little bluestem. It grows up to 3 feet (1 m) tall, compactly and thickly. It attracts animals and likes dry soil.
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) may grow up to 6 feet tall and is hardy to USDA zone 4. (2 m.). Switchgrass has long, crimson panicles of flowers, and it’s normally green leaves turn red in the autumn. This native has a broad soil tolerance and is simple to cultivate. It cannot take shade. Thus, it will need a sunny location.
One of Maryland’s tallest and most beautiful natural grasses is the big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii). The foliage of large bluestem, which reaches a height of 8 feet (2 metres), is blue-green in the summer and fiery in the autumn. It is reported that the seed head looks like a turkey’s foot. It is fantastic as a wildlife habitat since it is flexible and forgiving.
How to Take Care of Native Ornamental Grass
Native ornamental grasses have evolved to flourish in a variety of soil conditions in addition to the temperatures seen in New England. If you add a little compost to the soil, they may need little to no fertiliser.
Water, what about it? Once established, these grasses are extremely drought resistant, but that does not imply they are always thirsty. The first summer after planting, they need watering, particularly if the weather is dry. Mature grasses should get one inch (2.5 cm) of rain or irrigation water each week.
You do not need to bother about cutting the lawn often. For best results, ornamental grasses just need a single annual cutback. Trimming them in the autumn or spring to a few inches (8 cm) from the ground is preferable. Ornamental grasses provide winter appeal and act as a natural food source for animals if you wait until spring.
Grass clumps should also be divided every three to five years. Simply remove the clump and use an axe or shovel to break it up into a few pieces before replanting. It is advisable to start this procedure in the spring before new growth appears.