Ornamental grasses are excellent additions to any landscape. Because there are many species and varieties of such plants, each with different characteristics, choosing one for your garden might be overwhelming. But don’t worry: we got your back. Keep reading this essential “Ornamental Grasses Florida” guide to learn about our favorite plants for your outdoor space that do well in your climate.
Don’t forget to pick plants that perform well in your USDA hardiness zone to limit the difficulties in growing them.
If you live in Florida and are looking for ways to make your yard more aesthetically pleasing, you have landed in the right place.
Ornamental grasses Florida
Fountain Grass
Just as its name suggests, this ornamental produces leaves that fall in a cascade-like appearance that will enrich your garden with a unique texture and give it a different dimension. This perennial is relatively easy to care for and suited to Florida’s climate.
You can find it in different varieties, so you’ll have no problems finding a species suited to your taste and needs.
The plant adapts well to various soil conditions and grows best under the full sun. However, it might thrive even in areas with partial shade if you take proper care.
Pampas Grass
Pampas grass is an attractive ornamental that works excellently in Florida’s climate. This plant grows in clumps and produces feathery blooms of different colors, depending on the variety you choose.
While traditional pampas can reach up to 10 feet in height, you can find dwarf species better suited to limited spaces.
But beware: this plant will grow fast, and under optimal conditions, it might become invasive. To prevent that, don’t forget to prune the plant regularly.
Doing so will also keep it in shape. Alternatively, you select sterile varieties to limit their reproduction capacities.
Muhly Grass
Muhly grass is a plant native to Florida, so you won’t have a problem with it being invasive. And it is easy to grow: it will adapt to most soil conditions but will perform best in well-draining environments. If you live in a dry part of the state, don’t worry: Muhly grass is tolerant to drought.
While this plant looks similar to fountain grass, its blooms are much showier. During the flowering season (in the fall), Muhly grass produces beautiful purple flowers that make your garden lively.
The plant grows to about three feet tall, but its flowers can grow as high as five feet. Make sure you have enough space to accommodate Muhly grass’ growth.
Fakahatchee Grass
Fakahatchee grass is one of Florida’s native plants and can add a unique texture to any yard. Besides being a low-maintenance plant with gorgeous aesthetics, Fakahatchee grass attracts plenty of beneficial pollinators during the flowering season (in late spring).
Plus, it is one of the favorite foods for butterflies’ larvae! This plant grows between four and six feet tall, so make sure you have enough space to accommodate its growth.
LemonGrass
Lemongrass is a perennial herb that performs as an ornamental. It has a clumping growth habit and thrives in Florida’s climate. Additionally, its citrus scent is an efficient natural repellent for mosquitos, which might come in handy during the humid summer months.
Plant your lemongrass in a location that receives plenty of sunlight and add some mulch around it to improve drainage and increase water retention. Doing so will give you excellent results with this plant.
Tiger Grass
If you want to plant something different in your garden, consider Tiger grass. This ornamental works excellently in Florida’s climate and grows in tight clumps, making it an ideal hedge.
Because of its looks, many people use it as an alternative to bamboo. But if you don’t have the space to plant it in the ground, don’t worry: this plant also grows well in containers.
Plant it under the full sun in well-drained soil to get the most out of it!
Bamboo Muhly Grass
Bamboo Muhly grass is the ideal ornamental for Florida if you need something to fill a shady spot. This plant grows slowly and requires slightly more attention compared to most ornamental.
Plant it in well-draining soil and ensure you keep it constantly moist. Add a layer of mulch around it to improve water retention. While finding Bamboo Muhly grass might be challenging, you should not lose hope: the efforts will be worth it!