If you’re looking for some new and exciting plants to add to your garden, you should consider planting ornamental grasses. There are a wide variety of different types of ornamental grasses available, so there’s sure to be one that will suit your needs. Here are some of the best ornamental grasses for Colorado.
Why Plant Ornamental Grasses In Colorado
Ornamental grasses are a great addition to any Colorado garden. They come in various colors and textures, and they can provide interest and structure throughout the year.
In addition, ornamental grasses are relatively low-maintenance and easy to care for. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider planting ornamental grasses in your Colorado garden:
Ornamental grasses are tolerant of a wide range of conditions. They can be planted in full sun or partial shade, and they will thrive in both hot and cold weather. As a result, they are an ideal choice for Colorado gardens.
Ornamental grasses add visual interest to the landscape. Their leaves come in various colors, from rich green to deep purple. In addition, their leaves often have an interesting texture, ranging from smooth to wavy. As a result, ornamental grasses can provide year-round interest in the garden.
Ornamental grasses are low-maintenance plants. They do not require frequent watering or fertilizing, and they are not susceptible to most pests and diseases. As a result, little work is needed to keep them healthy and looking their best.
Types Of Ornamental Grasses To Plant In Colorado
There are many ornamental grasses available, so it’s essential to choose the right one for your garden. Here are some of the best types of ornamental grasses to plant in Colorado:
Alpine plume grass
Alpine plume grass is truly spectacular ornamental grass, prized for its striking appearance and long-lived qualities. Native to high mountain meadows in central and southern Europe, this perennial makes a dramatic display when fully mature.
Several dozen feathery flower heads wave gracefully above a dense fountain of fresh green foliage. Each flower head lasts from summer until the following spring, creating a beautiful haze of color that persists over the year.
It is vital to keep the plant pruned back by cutting off any old growth during this time. Unlike many other ornamental types of grass, alpine plume grass maintains attractive green foliage throughout its lifetime—meaning that the plant looks great both during and after its bloom period!
Whether used as a solitary specimen or massed together in groups, alpine plume grass is sure to steal the show in any garden design.
Big Bluestem
Big Bluestem, also known as “Turkey Foot Grass,” is a tall and distinctive grass widely found across the Great Plains region. It is an attractive and highly adaptable plant with a wide blade and upright to arching growth habit.
It is also a lovely and highly adaptable plant that grows in moist and drier environments. In addition to its beautiful reddish and purple fall colors, it also features striking clusters of reddish-purple flowers in late summer that look like a turkey foot.
Big Bluestem is well-suited for holding soil in place on erosion-prone slopes thanks to its deep root system, which can extend down up to 10 feet. Overall, this iconic prairie grass is an essential part of the rich biodiversity of the Great Plains region – making it a necessary feature of any flourishing lawn or garden.
Little Bluestem
Little Bluestem is a beautiful and versatile grass that thrives in even challenging conditions. With its tall, slender stems and delicate foliage, this hardy plant can reach up to 30 inches, making it the perfect choice for creating an eye-catching feature in your garden.
Additionally, Little Bluestem’s long flowering season – ranging from late summer through early fall – ensures that this plant will always look great, no matter what time of year it is.
Not only that, but the vivid colors of its flowers also help to make it a standout among other plants in your garden. Whether you prefer shades of blue or a more vibrant red, there is a Little Bluestem variety to suit your preferences.
And despite its hardy nature, this impressive grass is surprisingly easy to care for; give it a light watering every few weeks and enjoy its striking beauty!
Silver Beardgrass
Silver beardgrass is a unique and resilient plant that thrives in dry, open environments. Its tall and slender stems, fuzzy white fruiting heads, and narrow blades make it easily mistaken for other grasses such as foxtail.
However, upon closer inspection, one can see that the flower head of silver beardgrass is a narrow panicle rather than a compact spike-like formation as in foxtails. This distinctive appearance makes silver beardgrass well suited to cope with challenging conditions like roadways or rocky slopes.
How To Care For Ornamental Grasses In Colorado
Ornamental grasses are relatively low-maintenance plants, but there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure that they stay healthy and look their best. Here are some tips for caring for ornamental grasses in Colorado:
- Most ornamental grasses prefer full sun, so make sure to plant them in an area that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
- Be sure to water your grasses regularly, especially during the hot summer months. Depending on the type of grass and the climate in your area, you may need to water as often as once a week or even more.
- Fertilize your ornamental grasses once or twice a year to help them stay healthy and encourage new growth.
- In Colorado, ornamental grasses should be cut back late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This will help keep them tidy and prevent them from getting too big.
Ornamental grasses colorado: Conclusion
With these simple tips, you can enjoy the beauty of ornamental grasses in your Colorado garden for years to come!