Low-Maintenance Landscaping: Ornamental Grasses

Low-Maintenance Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses, unlike turfgrasses, are true grasses or plants that have the appearance of grass. They are often used to border landscapes or accent plant beds. Keep reading to learn about some grasses that require minimal watering and care in Sarasota County.

Note: The following information is adapted from the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Plant Guide.

Legend

Apart from the information presented in the table, the following features will be highlighted under each plant’s picture.

Light

Full sun: At least 6 hours of full sun

Part sun: 2-4 hours of full sun per day

Full shade: Full shade

Perks

Pollinator-friendly: Attracts pollinators

Attracts birds: Attracts birds

Edible: Edible parts*

Geography

Native: Native

Non-native: Non-native

 

Ornamental Grasses

Muhly grass (Muhlbergia capillaris)

Bright pink muhly grassed among green shrubs
Credit: Michael D’Imperio, UF/IFAS

Full sun Native

Height 2 to 5 feet
Growth Rate Moderate
Hardiness 8A to 11
Light Requirement Full sun
Salt Tolerance High
Drought Tolerance High
Soil Preference Slightly acidic to alkaline (6.0-8.0), sandy clay, well-drained to wet
Comments
  • Known for its showy pink blooms in the fall

Read more here.

Cordgrass (Spartina spp.)

Cordgrass by the water
Credit: Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program

Full sun Non-native

Height 3 to 5 feet
Growth Rate Fast
Hardiness 8A to 11
Light Requirement Full sun
Salt Tolerance High
Drought Tolerance High
Soil Preference Acidic to slightly alkaline (4.5-7.2), sandy clay, well-drained to wet
Comments
  • Some species are invasive – check before planting!

Read more here.

Gammagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides)

Gamma grass by water
Credit: Michael D’Imperio, UF/IFAS

Full sun Part sunPollinator-friendly Native

Height 3 to 5 feet
Growth Rate Fast
Hardiness 8A to 11
Light Requirement Full to partial sun
Salt Tolerance Medium
Drought Tolerance Medium
Soil Preference Acidic to slightly alkaline (4.5-7.2), sandy clay, medium to well-drained
Comments
  • Attracts butterflies
  • Blooms are white, pink, yellow, or rust

Read more here.

Bluestem (Andropogon spp.)

Bluestem grass
Credit: Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program

Full sun Native

Height 3 to 10 feet
Growth Rate Moderate
Hardiness 3A to 9B
Light Requirement Full sun
Salt Tolerance High
Drought Tolerance High
Soil Preference Tolerates wide range of soil pH (4.5-8.0), medium to well-drained
Comments
  • Stems of this grass often have a blue hue

Read more here.

Wiregrass (Aristida stricta var. beyrichiana)

Wiregrass
Credit: Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program

Full sun Part sunAttracts birds Native

Height 0.5 to 0.75 feet
Growth Rate Fast
Hardiness 8A to 11
Light Requirement Full to partial sun
Salt Tolerance Low
Drought Tolerance High
Soil Preference Acidic to slightly acidic (4.5-6.5), sandy clay, well-drained to wet
Comments

Read more here.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Lemongrass in the landscape
Credit: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions

Full sun Part sunEdible Non-native

Height 3 to 4 feet
Growth Rate Fast
Hardiness 10 to 11
Light Requirement Full sun to partial sun
Salt Tolerance Unknown
Drought Tolerance Moderate
Soil Preference Tolerates decent range of soil pH from acidic to slightly alkaline, medium to well-drained
Comments
  • Commonly sold as an edible
  • Great for tea and cooking
  • Also used as a insect repellant

Read more here.

 

If you want to learn about other low-maintenance plants for your landscape, read the rest of our Low-Maintenance Landscaping blog series.

*Although we discuss edibility in this blog, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County is not responsible for any illness or injury associated with foraging. Be aware that some plants may have been treated with pesticides and are not fit for human consumption. Always exercise caution.

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Forest Hecker, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Community Educator for Sarasota County's UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability Department.Ashley Ellis, Residential Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator in Sarasota County.
Posted: December 21, 2023


Category: Home Landscapes
Tags: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Landscaping, Lml, Low, Low-maintenance Landscaping, Maintenance, Pgm_Chemicals, Pgm_HortRes, Pgm_Water, Water


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