Ornamental grasses for southwestern landscapes

Most Ornamental grasses are easy to take care of. They are not sustectible to insects and rarely need to be fertilized.

Most will go dormant during the winter. You can cut them down low to the ground, and they will vigorously grow back during spring.

Pampas Grass or Cortalderia selloana. This is a fast growing exotic ornamental grass. Usually evergreen in warmer climates. Normal variety grows to about 10ft high and 20ft wide. Should be planted in groups. Has showy spike flower plumes and razor edged leaves (ouch)! Dwarf variety available at your local nursery. Likes full sun and very drought tolerant. Grows best at about 6500 ft. elevation.

Fountain Grass or Pennisetum spp. Most grow about 3ft. tall and about 5ft. wide. Purple fountain grass or Pennisetum alopecuroides is a favorite among southwestern New Mexicans. Nice feathery plumes in the fall. They all like full sun, and good fertilized soil. Nice purple undertones for good natural color. This grass loves southern New Mexico and west Texas regions.

Blue Fescue or Festuca caesia. Nice mounding exotic pale blue grass with ornamental flowers. Can be used as a ground cover. Loves colder climates but will tolerate drought conditions. Likes full sun and or shade. This ornamental grows to about 1ft. tall and wide and stays green year round. Ask your local nursery for more advice.

Below are pictures of ornamental grasses. Click on picture for more information or to make a purchase.

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Grass - Little Bunny Fountain Grass

Order Little Bunny Fountain Grass, Pennisetum 'Little Bunny', now from Nature Hills Nursery

Grass - Purple Fountain Grass

Order Purple Fountain Grass, Pennisetum rubrum, now from Nature Hills Nursery

Grass - Redhead Fountain Grass

Order Redhead Fountain Grass, Pennisetum 'Redhead', now from Nature Hills Nursery

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