Most ornamental grasses would be described as having graceful, arching foliage, with several species being variegated. The flower plumes on several species can be spectacular, giving interest for outdoor scale or dried and used indoors. Ornamental grasses are highly resistant to insect and disease problems, tolerant to heat and drought, and require little or no pruning. Two important requirements are full sun and well-drained soil. Ornamental grass species grow to various sizes, some growing to 10 to 15 ft, while others are considered dwarf plants used as ground covers.
Ornamental grasses have several uses as functional landscape plants.
Most ornamental grasses can stand alone when used as an accent plant or focal point, especially when plumes of several species are abundant. Plant 12 to 15 inches on center either as a mass planting or as a border. A native of Argentina and southern Brazil, Pampas grass was introduced to the United States in 1848. This showy, reed-like perennial plant belongs to the grass family, Graminaea. Pampas grass is damaged all across the state by single-digit temperatures.