I’ve always enjoyed planting ornamental grass in containers. Once they are established, they will do well in less than desirable conditions.
Ornamental grass is beautiful in a small space garden in galvanized containers.
In the photo above, I planted pineapple sage with ornamental grass in a contrasting color behind it.
Above purple fountain grass creates a gorgeous backdrops to the plants in front.
Ornamental Grasses In Containers:
Most grasses are pretty much self-sufficient. Potted plants need to be watered deeply and less frequently.
Allow the pot to dry out between watering unless you are growing a water loving species or marginal grass.
Every two years remove the plant from the pot, replace the soil mix and divide the grass. Cut the plant into two pieces. Then replant each piece separately.
Some grasses will die back in winter and the blades will turn brown.
You can leave them until early spring as a cover for wildlife if you wish. And then cut them back to a couple of inches from the crown in early spring.
Brand new blades should grow and fill in the plant as spring progresses.
I found this galvanized tub at the antique mall for $9. For less than $10 I knew it was a great price.
I’ve found that galvanized tubs make great planters for ornamental grasses because they’re usually larger than regular pots.
Galvanized Container Project:
I put a variety of different kinds of ornamental grass in the above container. If I had to estimate what it cost me for this project, I would say about $25 total.
This includes the pots of various ornamental grasses from Lowes, the potting soil, plus the cost of the galvanized tub.
I hammered holes in the bottom of the container for drainage. If you have a drill to do this, that’s great. But I didn’t. So I relied on a hammer and a nail to create proper drainage.
How To Arrange Ornamental Grasses In Containers:
I tend to place the tallest of the ornamental grasses in the back of the container.
Then I arrange the others with no real design in mind except for staggering the height of each one. I do this by planting smaller ones toward the front.
Ornamental Grass Needs:
Ornamental grass thrives in an area that gets at least 5-6 hours of sunlight daily.
If you’re planting yours in a container, make sure it is deep enough for the plant to spread and support the root system. Also make sure that the bottom of the container has adequate drainage.
An excellent medium for ornamental grass is one part compost, one part top soil, and one part perlite.
Different types of grass have different needs. But as a general rule water your ornamental grass container when the top two inches of soil is dry.
Fertilize annually in spring with sow release fertilizer.
Ornamental grasses lend a natural feel to your garden or patio containers.
I think you would enjoy the texture and beauty of having ornamental grasses in your garden.
Brenda, you could have been a landscaper, you have a very good eye, and a real care for the plants.
Good information, Brenda. I’ve been thinking I’d like to get some pink muhly grass to try. I like that it’s not so tall and the rosey color. I could add some smaller plants in front of it like you did in yours. It’s still so cold here, though, it’s gonna be a while. We have had sun and blue skies all week so that’s a good sign. It lifts my spirits for sure.
Have a pleasant weekend!
Your ornamental grass plantings were so pretty last year and the photos are gorgeous! We have some of different types of ornamental grasses planted in the yard and in one pot. Do you ever cut your hands on the sharp edges of the grass blades? Our grasses are DANGEROUS! And, when you get cut, it stings like crazy!! But we still LOVE THEM.
No, I’ve never been cut. But when I trim them my arms itch till I soap it off.
While we still have snow here in eastern Massachusetts, I have been planning to make more pot plantings in our small condo garden and porch…grasses will now be in our plans. Thanks for including your instructions and hints for growing.
I’ve always loved ornamental grasses. Yours are so pretty. xo Laura
What a timely post. I was walking this morning and admiring the purple fountain grass in a neighboring yard. I have some empty whisky barrels that need plants and was wondering if I could plant ornamental grass in these containers. Looks like the garden center will be on my trip list either today or tomorrow to inquire about the best ornamental grass to plant in containers for this area.
Your photos are so pretty.
That fountain grass is so pretty. You do a great job on photography.