It’s fall clean-up time and you may be eyeing your landscape in search of what to trim back next. That’s when the waving plumes of your Ornamental Grass may be what your gaze settles on.
Ornamental and tall native grasses are grown for their showy fall and winter interest, so put down those shears for now. Fall is generally not the best time to cut Ornamental Grasses down – Especially because they are just starting to really show their stuff!
So when is the best time? And what extenuating circumstances may arise that will warrant cutting back these stately plumes in the fall?
When planted correctly in well-drained soil that won’t become soggy over the winter, and in a full sun location, Ornamental Grasses have everything they need to stand tall all growing season and survive the brunt of what Ma Nature can throw at them!
Ornamental grasses add beautiful texture and movement to gardens with their graceful, arching foliage and showy plumes Many gardeners wonder if fall is a good time to plant these stunning perennials The answer is a resounding yes! Planting ornamental grasses in the fall can help them establish quickly for vigorous growth next year.
In this complete guide, we will cover when how and why planting ornamental grasses in autumn is an ideal approach.
Why Fall is the Best Time to Plant Ornamental Grasses
There are several key reasons why autumn is prime time for getting ornamental grasses into the ground:
Warmer Soil Temperatures
Ornamental grasses grow best when planted in soils between 60-75°F. Fortunately, soil retains warmth well into the fall after summer’s heat has departed. This warmth stimulates root growth allowing grasses planted in fall to continue establishing a healthy root system even after cooler weather arrives.
Increased Rainfall
The cooler temperatures of autumn mean less water is lost to evaporation. More rainfall stays in the soil for the benefit of newly planted grasses. This abundant moisture decreases transplant stress.
Less Risk of Dehydration
Evaporative water loss from plant leaves is reduced in the cooler fall air. Transplanted grasses won’t dry out as quickly, resulting in less foliage dieback.
Time to Establish Extensive Roots Before Winter
Ornamental grasses planted in the fall have the entire winter dormant period to grow roots before spring foliage growth resumes. By spring, fall-planted grasses will be well-anchored and ready for rapid growth.
Earlier Spring Green-Up
Grasses planted in autumn often begin spring growth earlier than those planted in spring. This gives you more time to enjoy them next growing season.
Savings on Plant Purchases
Nurseries are often eager to sell off remaining inventory going into fall and discounts are frequently offered on ornamental grasses. Take advantage of the savings!
When to Plant Ornamental Grasses in Fall
Aim to get ornamental grasses in the ground 4-6 weeks before your average first autumn frost date. This gives them enough time to develop roots before going dormant over winter.
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In northern zones 3-4, plant grasses from late August through September.
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In warmer zones 5-7, October plantings will be fine.
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Wait until November in southern zones 8-10.
Stop planting ornamental grasses once soils begin to freeze. Containerized grasses can be planted later into fall since their roots are insulated within the pots.
How to Plant Ornamental Grasses in Fall
Installing ornamental grasses in the fall is easy if you follow these tips:
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Prepare soil first by eliminating weeds and mixing in compost to improve drainage before planting.
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Water grasses thoroughly after transplanting and continue daily watering for 2-3 weeks until established.
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Apply 2-3 inches of shredded bark, leaves, straw or other organic mulch around newly planted grasses. This insulates plant crowns from harsh winter cold.
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Prune back long foliage by 1/3 at time of planting to reduce transplant stress and water loss.
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Stake taller or floppy grasses to prevent damage over winter.
The Best Ornamental Grasses for Fall Planting
Nearly all ornamental grasses can be successfully planted in the fall season. Some excellent choices include:
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Switchgrass – A native upright prairie grass with handsome form. Displays rich red fall color. Grow in zones 4-9.
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Maiden Grass – Very tall grass perfect for backdrops. Boasts bold, showy plumes in fall. For zones 4-9.
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Fountain Grass – Graceful, mounded grass with arching green leaves. Tolerates heat well. Ideal for zones 7-10.
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Moor Grass – Fine-textured, tufted grass perfect for partly shaded beds. Glowing red fall hues. Grow in zones 5-9.
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Feather Reed Grass – Pretty ornamental grass with upright, slender leaves. Foliage turns vibrant gold in fall. Thrives in zones 5-9.
Overseeding Lawns in Fall
Autumn is prime time to thicken up patchy, thin lawns by overseeding. The cooler temperatures and increased moisture create the perfect growing conditions for establishing newly seeded grass.
For best results, mow existing lawn short, core aerate, rake out thatch then broadcast grass seed in late summer or early fall. Supply new seedlings with daily watering until they germinate and begin growing. Fertilize 4-6 weeks after seeding when new grass reaches 3 inches tall.
Enjoy a Beautiful Garden Next Season
By taking advantage of ideal planting conditions this fall, your new ornamental grasses will deliver beauty from the moment they emerge next spring. Their graceful movement and showy plumes will enhance your landscape for years to come. Don’t wait – go plant some grasses this autumn!
Warm vs. Cool Season Grasses
Warm Season Grasses, planted in mild-winter climates can be trimmed back if you’d like in the autumn to keep them looking tidier and not have their leaves and large fluffy seed heads blowing around your landscape all winter.
For Grass and Sedges that are evergreen in those warmer climates – it is a good idea to gently rake/comb through the grassy leaves pulling or trimming out any old and brown foliage. Every few years it may be necessary to trim these plants down removing at least 2/3 of the old tops to give them a fresh start. This too should be done in spring before they start to grow.
Cool Season Grasses should only be pruned in the spring unless a disease issue is present or they were broken down from a summer storm or garden construction.
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Charlotte… | September 14, 2023
It’s fall clean-up time and you may be eyeing your landscape in search of what to trim back next. That’s when the waving plumes of your Ornamental Grass may be what your gaze settles on.
Ornamental and tall native grasses are grown for their showy fall and winter interest, so put down those shears for now. Fall is generally not the best time to cut Ornamental Grasses down – Especially because they are just starting to really show their stuff!
So when is the best time? And what extenuating circumstances may arise that will warrant cutting back these stately plumes in the fall?
- When Not To Prune
When planted correctly in well-drained soil that won’t become soggy over the winter, and in a full sun location, Ornamental Grasses have everything they need to stand tall all growing season and survive the brunt of what Ma Nature can throw at them!
Ornamental grasses you can plant in the fall | Natures Corner
FAQ
How late in the season can you plant ornamental grasses?
The best time to plant new ornamental grasses in your landscape is spring or early fall. Planting before the summer’s heat (and often dry weather) arrives should give them enough time to root in before having to endure more stressful conditions.
Is it okay to plant ornamental grasses in the fall?
As soon as the fear of frost is behind you and soil temperatures warm, take the opportunity to add ornamental grasses to your landscape.
How late in the fall can you plant grass?
Through dormant seeding, grass seed can be planted in November when the weather is cold enough to keep it dormant until the weather warms up in the spring.
What kind of grass can you plant in the fall?
Early fall is the best time to plant cool-season grasses, such as Fescue, Rye and Bluegrass. These grasses grow best when the temperature is between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit, and benefit from the shorter days and cooler nights. There is also less competition from crabgrass and foxtails.
Can you plant grass in the fall?
Both w arm-season and cool-season grasses can be planted in the fall for garden interest. Warm-season grasses put on the most stunning autumn show, but be sure to pick up gallon-size plants at the nursery if you’d like to appreciate them the first year of planting.
Should ornamental grass be divided in the fall?
Unfortunately, when it comes to dividing ornamental grasses, fall is not the time for dividing. Unlike most perennial plants that thrive with fall division, dividing grasses in the fall can be deadly for the plants. With their root clumps split, they are not able to re-establish in the soil.
When should you plant ornamental grass?
By planting in early spring, the grasses have ample time to establish their root systems and acclimate to their new surroundings before the summer heat arrives. Spring planting allows the grasses to experience a full growing season, resulting in better growth and establishment. Fall is another favorable time to plant ornamental grasses.
Are ornamental grasses good in fall?
In fall, ornamental grasses are gorgeous in mass planting, glorious as individual specimens, spectacular as underplanting, and particularly precious in group plantings and borders. Whether upright or cascading, perennial and annual ornamental grasses are great in fall-hanging baskets.
Should you plant ornamental grass?
Their feathery plumes and seed heads can complement perfectly clipped hedges and neatly planted rows or populate a landscape that’s relatively undisturbed as it would be in nature. When planting ornamental grasses, experiment with those whose forms and shapes harmonize with other plants in your garden.
Do ornamental grasses fit into a garden theme?
In recent years interest and use of ornamental grasses has exploded. Ornamental grasses can fit into almost any garden theme. Ornamental grasses lend height, movement, and long season color to the landscape. Along with the proliferation of ornamental grasses have come a host of questions on how to care for them properly.