Evergreen Ornamental Landscape Grasses

Many people never think of grasses when they start to garden. However, grasses aren't just for lawns. There are many ornamental grasses that give off great winter looks or fabulous airy texture to a landscape. These showy grass examples are all evergreen, so you will be enjoying the beauty all year long. Many of them have other great features as well.

Appalachian Sedge (Carex appalachica)

A perennial grass that is evergreen and from the sedge family of plants, the Appalachian sedge can be a lawn replacement. Its leaves are medium green in color and it will grow one to two feet long in clumps four to eight inches wide. In the early spring, it will have small flowers. Appalachian sedge likes to grow in full shade or dappled sunlight in average to poor soils. It has a USDA hardiness zone range of five to seven. Propagate by division.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

This fragrant perennial is fast growing, with evergreen leaves but typically no flowers. It is a favorite among chefs for its wide use in cooking. Leaves are bright blue-green and have a citrus smell. Lemongrass should grow well in fertile loam soil with bright sun. It will tolerate other soil types and light shade. Propagate by clump division or by seed.

Palm Sedge (Carex phyllocephala)

From the sedge family of plants, this evergreen grows in a clump form. It looks like a smaller version of a palm crown. Leaves are dark green but have creamy margins. It should be planted in partial or full shade. It will tolerate full sun but will need more water. Propagate by seed or by division, in addition it may automatically self-sow.

Palm Grass (Setaria palmifolia)

From the grass family of plants, this easy to grow and fast growing evergreen has tropical looking pleated leaves. It can grow to eight to ten feet high with greenish spikes of inflorescence. Some types of palm grass have purple midribs or striped leaves. It should be grown in full sun or partial shade with moist soil. It will tolerate drought and some shade. Propagate it by seed or by division, or it may self-seed if you are in a warm climate.

These are all good additions to a landscape, having interesting leaves and effects. Most will do well as landscape or yard borders, and some can work nicely around a patio or porch. Depending on your needs, typically an ornamental grass will work well in your specific hardiness zone.

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Source: Floridata