Ornamental Grass Liners

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is one of the easiest ornamental grasses to grow. This hardy native thrives in a variety of soils, from sandy to clay-heavy, and is drought-resistant once established. With its upright growth and airy seed heads, it adds year-round interest to landscapes, meadows, and erosion control plantings. A standout Switchgrass variety is Shenandoah, loved for its rich red-tinted foliage in fall - perfect for gardeners looking for beauty with minimal upkeep.

Yes, most ornamental grass plants should be cut back annually - best in late winter or early spring before new shoots emerge - to encourage healthy growth and maintain their shape. Cutting back the previous season’s foliage prevents dead material from accumulating and allows fresh growth to come in more evenly. Some evergreen ornamental grasses may only need occasional trimming, while deciduous grasses benefit from a full trim down to about 6–12 inches above the ground.

It depends on the variety. Many ornamental grasses thrive in full sun, including Panicum, Miscanthus, and Pennisetum, which require at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight to grow strong and develop their signature colors and seed heads. However, some grasses, like Hakonechloa (Japanese Forest Grass), prefer partial to full shade and may struggle in intense, direct sunlight. When selecting ornamental grasses, consider your local climate, the sun exposure in your planting area, and the specific needs of the species.

Most ornamental grass liners are long-lived perennials, meaning they will return year after year with proper care. However, as they grow, the center of the clump can become woody or die out, reducing the plant’s overall vigor. To keep them looking their best, many ornamental grasses benefit from being divided every 3–5 years. This not only reinvigorates growth but also provides an opportunity to propagate and expand plantings.

To divide ornamental grass young plants, dig up the clump in spring and chop it into smaller clumps. Re-plant and share with friends!

We do still recommend our tissue culture ornamental grass plants for production and sale over division on a large scale due to the bushiness and fullness of TC grasses over divided clumps.

This depends on the species. Clump-forming grasses, such as Miscanthus sinensis and Panicum virgatum, grow in neat, contained mounds and spread slowly over time. Running grasses, like Phalaris arundinacea (Ribbon Grass) or certain types of bamboo, spread more aggressively via underground rhizomes and may require barriers or regular maintenance to keep them in check. 

Some types of ornamental grass plants can become invasive, depending on the species and region. Certain varieties, such as Miscanthus sinensis, have been known to self-seed prolifically and spread beyond garden borders. Sale of certain ornamental grasses is regulated in different states if they have the potential to become invasive.  It’s always a good idea to opt for growing well-behaved clumping grasses rather than spreading or seeding types, and always ensure the species you choose is appropriate for your area.

Yes, bamboo is a member of the grass family (Poaceae), even though its woody stems may make it resemble a tree or shrub. Bamboo shares many characteristics with ornamental grasses, including rapid growth and adaptability. Clumping bamboo, including varieties we grow: Bamboo 'Buda Belly', Bamboo 'Alphonse Karr', and Bamboo 'Golden Goddess' stay contained, while running bamboo can spread aggressively without management - so just be sure to choose the right variety for your space.