Ornamental grasses contribute texture and architectural effect to a garden. They are accents that are at the same time repeating and varied, static, and moving. All grass-like plants are included in the term ornamental grasses. If you live in zone 7 and are interested in planting ornamental grass plants, you will have a number of types to choose from.
Zone 7 Grass Planting
Graceful and arching, ornamental grasses made lovely additions to almost any landscape. All offer varying shades of green that change subtly throughout the year, and some zone 7 grasses have spectacular flower plumes.
When you are considering ornamental grass plants for zone 7 gardens, you’ll be glad to know that these species rarely suffer from insect damage or diseases. Most types of zone 7 grass plants tolerate heat as well as drought. Another plus is that these zone 7 grasses hardly ever need pruning.
Ornamental grass plants for zone 7 need direct sun and excellent drainage. You’ll find types of zone 7 grass in all sizes, from dwarf plants to those 15 feet high (5 m.). You can create excellent privacy screens from tall, evergreen, ornamental grass plants for zone 7. Dwarf plants provide groundcover, while tall, plumed grasses can serve as accent plants.
Ornamental Grass Plants for Zone 7
If you are about to begin zone 7 grass planting, you’ll need some ideas for attractive ornamental grasses that grow well in your area. Here are a few popular zone 7 ornamental grasses to consider. For a more extensive list, contact your local extension service.
Feather reed grass (Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster') wins the popularity contest for zone 7 ornamental grasses. It stands tall, growing upright to 6 feet (2 m.), and looks attractive all year. It is tough and tolerates a range of growing conditions. Hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9, feather reed grass require full sun. It also needs well-drained soil.
Another interesting choice in grass plants for zone 7 is little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium). It is among the most colorful of the types of zone 7 grass, with silvery blue-green leave blades transforming into hues of orange, red, and purple just before winter. Little bluestem is a Native American plant. It grows to 3 feet tall (1 m.) and thrives in USDA zones 4 through 9.
Blue oat grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens) is an easy-care ornamental grass with a wonderful mounding habit. The grass blades are steel-blue and grows to 4 feet tall (1 m.). You don’t have to keep your eye on blue oatgrass. It isn’t aggressive and will not spread rapidly in your garden. Again, you’ll need to give this zone 7 grass full sun and excellent drainage.