Your How-To Guide on Tall Grasses for Privacy

We all love ourselves some serene private backyard time or maybe we just enjoy not having nosy Susan peeking over every three seconds... either way, back yard, front yard, indoors or outdoors, you can never truly go wrong with some nosy neighbor repellent.

Now we know what you're wondering, how can I achieve this neighbor-free haven you speak of? Tall ornamental grasses of course! Tall ornamental grasses are a fantastic way to add some gorgeous, variegated foliage and shield yourself from the lingering eye. Let's get into everything you need to know so we can skip to the part about you loving it and thanking us.

What are Tall Ornamental Grasses?

You're probably unsure about what ornamental grass is. These plants are often referred to by gardeners as anything with long, narrow foliage. Furthermore, it is anticipated that these plants would develop in the same manner. However, some of the most effective and widespread "grass" structures are perennial grasses. Genera from the four primary variations are included in true ornamental grasses. Sedges, vegetation, reeds, and rushes are among them. These variations all have unique requirements and disseminate in various ways. The perennial grass-like hybrids known as ornamental plants are excellent for obstructing views and granting privacy in any garden.

Gardeners should think about planting perennial ornamental grasses if they want to screen a patio or block a neighbor's yard without building a structure. Ornamental grasses grow far faster than evergreen trees and shrubs, typically reaching their full size within two seasons. They are perfect for privacy hedges since new plants may quickly fill in any gaps because of their quick growth rate. Additionally, using ornamental grasses to create privacy on your property can be a cheap option.

Reasons to Use Tall Ornamental Grass for Privacy

This kind of grass is well renowned for having the ability to grow quickly. As a result, you can continue using the grass you used to create a privacy barrier. Additionally, it thrives in situations ranging from full sun to partial shade, so you may plant it anywhere you like. Not to add that it is an extremely adaptable cultivar that can grow in a variety of climates. Given that some individuals can reach heights of 10 to 12 feet, it is extraordinarily tall.

Additionally, it spreads out far. Growing this grass allows you to create a wide and tall privacy structure. It is a superb option if you want more privacy in your yard because of all of these qualities.

Best Ornamental Grass for Full Sun to Part Shade Locations

As we've already indicated, if you're seeking for a plant that can develop into a fantastic privacy structure, this kind of grass is a fantastic choice. Having said that, numerous variants can make choosing which plant you want to include in your garden extremely difficult. To assist you in making a decision, we have compiled a list of the top tall ornamental grasses. Here are some of our favorites:

Pampas Grass (Cortaderia Selloana)

Cortaderia selloana, a delicate type of pampas grass, can become invasive in warm settings. For privacy in the garden, it grows in clusters that can be 4 to 6 feet wide and 8 to 12 feet tall. Once planted, this grass is drought resistant and probably only needs irrigation during prolonged dry spells. Additionally, fertilizer is typically not required. Saccharum Ravenna, sometimes referred to as plume grass or Ravenna grass, is a hardier variety of this plant that thrives in zones 5 to 9.

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 8 - 10

• Soil Conditions: Well-drained soil with dry to medium moisture

• Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis X Acutiflora)

The 3-foot tall, straight, narrow, green leaves of feather reed grass grow in dense clumps. In the summer, spikes of pinkish-purple, feathery flowers rise a few feet above the leaves. It has a 2-foot spread and a height of almost 5 feet. The grass, particularly the well-known "Karl Foerster" cultivar, requires conditions with higher-than-average moisture levels to flourish. Additionally, feather reed grass doesn't mind hard clay soil that drains slowly, unlike many other attractive grass varieties. This grass can satisfy your demands if you have a rain garden and desire a low-maintenance, medium-height screening plant that accepts mild shade.

Since this grass requires persistently moist soil, frequent irrigation is required regularly. To encourage new development, prune the plant either in the fall or in the early spring.

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 - 9

• Soil Conditions: Rich/Moist Soil. Tolerates Clay Soil

• Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia Capillaris)

Gardeners may easily grow pink hair grass, also known as pink muhly grass, which is another native beauty. The grass has a 3 to 4-foot height at its highest point, making it ideal for a patio edge that serves as some screening for a seating area. In September, showy pink flowers bloom and persist, adding winter interest to the landscape. Pink hair grass can reduce slopes' erosion and tolerate dry, arid climates. The plant can grow taller if given constant moisture. Additionally, putting it in a raised bed helps extend its growing zone farther north by placing it in a protected area.

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 - 9

• Soil Conditions: Dry to medium moisture, rocky or sandy, well-draining soil

• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to partial shade

Zebra Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus')

Gardeners are big fans of plants with variegated leaves or foliage with colorful patterns. Zebra grass leaves may give your landscape visual flair and privacy. Zebra grass can grow to its luscious 5- to 8-foot potential with a 4- to 6-foot spread under ideal circumstances. It grows in clumps, which makes it perfect for use as a hedge. Until it becomes established, water the zebra grass frequently. Then, it probably won't require watering other than during a prolonged dry spell. Additionally, the plant can profit from an annual coating of compost.

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 - 9

• Soil Conditions: Moist well-draining soil with a neutral pH

• Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Alopecuroides)

Thanks to its fluffy catkins, fountain grass gives a garden more privacy and visual intrigue (flowering spikes). Though it may tolerate little shade, this plant performs best in direct sunlight. Additionally, its greenery typically retains its beauty into the winter. It forms clumps that are between 3 and 5 feet tall and wide. If you wish to use it as a privacy screen, check the plant tag because there are some dwarf varieties available. Until a young plant becomes established, water it once or twice a week. Unless you don't occasionally get rain, you probably won't need to water mature plants. Although it is not required, fertilizer can accelerate growth.

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 6 - 9

• Soil Conditions: Average medium to moist soil

• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to partial shade

Big Bluestem Grass (Andropogon gerardii)

With a height of around 6 feet and a spread of 2 to 3 feet, this native North American plant is a fantastic option for a privacy screen. In the spring and summer, vast expanses of giant bluestem would have covered the majority of the prairie if you had been a resident of the Midwest 200 years ago. This resilient grass is unaffected by drought or deer. It will grow in a variety of soil types if planted in a sunny location. Regularly water young plants. Established plants don't typically require watering and are fairly drought hardy.

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 - 9

• Soil Conditions: Average well-draining soil that is dry to medium moisture.

• Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Hardy Clumping Bamboo (Bambusoideae)

Although it is a very huge grass, bamboo is a plant. Even though bamboo has a bad record for being invasive in gardens, you can reduce this by planting clumping varieties rather than runners. Look for the cold-tolerant, slow-growing Fargesia genus of bamboo plants. Fargesia robusta provides excellent privacy and can reach heights of up to 17 feet. Bamboo should receive just enough water to keep it wet. Fertilizer is typically not required, although a compost layer can help plants flourish. Remember that all bamboo will spread and, once established, can be challenging to get rid of.

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 - 9

• Soil Conditions: Rich well-draining moist soil

• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to partial shade

Blue Oat Grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens)

A touch of blue in a garden full of greenery? That's different. A lovely ornamental grass, blue oat grass has blue-green leaves that bear small golden-yellow tips that resemble oats. The grass is regarded as non-invasive and grows in bunches. As long as the soil is wet, well-draining, and cool, grass may grow in any type of soil, even in unfavorable circumstances. It doesn't get sick easily and needs little maintenance. To avoid root rot, you must still be careful not to overwater it.

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 - 9

• Soil Conditions: Ideally, it would grow in wet, well-drained soil, but it can withstand both sandy and heavy clay soils.

• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to partial shade

Evergreen Ornamental Grass

Tall ornamental grasses are attractive, hardy plants that work well in a variety of environments. But there are numerous varieties of tall ornamental grasses.

Because they don't need to be pruned or trimmed as frequently as other species, evergreen ornamental grasses also require less upkeep than other varieties. However, when they do need to be trimmed, it is typically a quick and simple procedure because the shears' blades just effortlessly cut through these stalks without getting stuck on any jagged or prickly edges.

Privacy Grass

Different specialists have put up a wide range of suggested remedies. A species of pampas grass that may grow taller than people and obstruct the line of sight to those on the other side is one of the most promising.

If they are not cut back, some plants, like ivy and bamboo, can reach heights of up to 20 feet and offer some measure of privacy. Additionally, these plants don't need any maintenance, which makes them appealing choices for people searching for a more environmentally friendly way to keep their place private.

Getting a Professional Opinion

Choosing privacy for your backyard isn't a small task. You may love the idea of ornamental grass, but you could also hate it once you have it up. Getting a professional opinion is always a plus especially if you can get your yard 3D designed so you can try out a bunch of options from ornamental grass to pergolas to fences.

We know 3D designing can get pricey but Shrubhub.com is offering 70% off along with a free phone and plant consultation so you can ask all the questions you have before committing. It's worth checking them out!

FAQs

Are Ornamental Grasses Low Maintenance?

Hardy, rapidly growing, inexpensive, showy, and simple to maintain are all qualities of ornamental grasses. So, in shorter terms, yes, they are very low-maintenance plants to grow and have.

Do Ornamental Grasses Spread Out?

While some ornamental grass varieties cluster, others spread. Some varieties cluster as well as spread. To prevent planting an invasive species and to properly allocate space for your chosen decorative grass in your yard, be aware of what it does.

Do Ornamental Grasses Need Pruning or Trimming?

Cut down ornamental grass in the late fall to promote new growth for a neat appearance during the winter, or wait until early spring if you'd rather leave the dried grass for birds and other wildlife to enjoy during the colder months.

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