Ornamental grasses have a range of water requirements.
Ornamental grasses range from low-growing, spreading groundcovers to clumping, upright perennials growing more than 10 feet tall. With this diversity of height, texture and color comes a diversity of moisture requirements. Some species of ornamental grass thrive in wet, poorly drained sites, while others require dry, sandy soil. A few varieties that are more adaptable thrive in a range of conditions.
Wet Sites
Some species prefer wet soil. The star sedge (Rhychospora latifolia) grows in shallow, standing water and requires at least moist soil to thrive. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 8 and 9, this upright grass produces white flowers with long bracts. Plant this 32-inch tall grass in sun to light shade. Ribbon grass (Phalaris arundinaera) tolerates wet soil. This upright, 2 to 5 foot tall grass grows from 2 to 5 feet high and has white-striped foliage. It produces pink flowers in midsummer and spreads quickly. Plant it in light shade in zones 4 to 9.
Ribbon grass (Phalaris arundinaera) tolerates wet soil. This upright, 2- to 5-foot-tall grass grows from 2 to 5 feet tall and has white-striped foliage. It produces pink flowers in midsummer and spreads quickly. Plant in light shade in zones 4 to 9.
Moist Sites
Certain species prefer moist, rather than wet, conditions. The Korean feather reed grass (Calamagrostis brachytricha) prefers moist soil and partial shade. This perennial grows in an upright or arching clump to 30 inches tall and has shiny-green foliage that turns yellow in fall. Korean feather grass is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9. Japanese sedge (Carex morrowii) also prefers moist soil. This shade-loving grass grows to 2 feet tall. Japanese sedge has clumps of stiff green foliage with white margins and is hardy in zones 7 to 9.
Japanese sedge (Carex morrowii) also prefers moist soil. This shade-loving grass grows to 2 feet tall. Japanese sedge has clumps of stiff green foliage with white margins and is hardy in zones 7 to 9.
Well-Drained Sites
Certain grasses grow best in well-drained soils with regular irrigation. Weeping love grass (Eragrostis curvula) thrives in sand. This adaptable grass grows to 3 feet tall and prefers full sun exposures. Weeping love grass has green foliage that turns yellow in fall and is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9. Weeping love grass controls erosion and run-off in sandy sites. Broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus) grows best in well-drained sites. This upright, clumping grass turns red, purple and orange in autumn and has fine, stiff foliage. Broomsedge grows to 4 feet tall and requires full sun. Plant it in zones 3 to 9.
Broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus) also grows best in well-drained sites. This upright, clumping grass turns red, purple and orange in autumn and has fine, stiff foliage. Broomsedge grows to 4 feet tall and requires full sun. Plant in zones 3 to 9.
Dry Sites
Some tolerate dry or even droughtlike conditions. The little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) thrives in dry sites with full sun exposure. Hardy in USDA zones 4 to 10, this adaptable grass has bright-green to blue-green foliage and produces a long-lasting, silvery inflorescence. Mexican feather grass (Nassella tenuissima) tolerates very dry conditions and prefers sun to light shade. This 2 foot tall grass has thread-thin foliage and grows in a fountain shape. Mexican feather grass is hardy in zones 6 to 9.
Mexican feather grass (Nassella tenuissima) tolerates very dry conditions and prefers sun to light shade. This 2-foot-tall grass has thread-thin foliage and grows in a fountain shape. Mexican feather grass is hardy in zones 6 to 9.
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