An annual grass will grow, seed and then die all in a single year or growing season. These annuals are ornamental grasses which add texture, motion and accents to a garden landscape.
Rattlesnake Grass or Quaking Grass (Briza maxima)
A medium-sized grass, the rattlesnake grass grows between 1 and 2 feet tall. The seed heads appear in the summer and hang in clusters that resemble a rattlesnake's rattle, giving this grass it's common name. When the stems and seeds are still green, stalks can be cut and dried for long-lasting indoor flower arrangements.
Once the seeds fully develop, a purplish tone appears before finally drying out and turning a pleasant beige hay color. Frost tender, so sow your seeds in late spring after the last chance of frost is passed. Full fun and well-drained soil will keep this attractive ornamental grass happy.
Striped Maize (Zea mays japonica) for Grass-like Foliage
While not a true grass, the Victorians made this striped maize a popular addition to the ornamental gardens. Upright growth reaches around 4 feet high and creates a strong vertical accent in the garden.
Use the striped or ornamental maize in mass plantings along the back of a border to create a stunning and interesting backdrop for other flowering plants and annuals. While the most common form has bold white stripes in a medium green leaf, the “Harlequin' is much showier and has green, cream, and red or pink stripes in the foliage.
Striped maize should be planted outside after the last frost date, or can be started indoors 4 weeks before the estimated last frost date. Transplanting can be tricky so use plantable pots if you start this grass from seeds. Full sun and rich, well-drained soil will help them grow best. Any corn ears produced will not be good to eat, but can be dried and used in ornamental arrangements for the holidays.
Natal Ruby (Rhynchelytrum melinis) Annual Grass
While considered an annual in most areas, natal ruby can be perennial in the warmest winter zones. The grass is shorter – closer to 1 foot tall and side. While the foliage is thin and green, the flower stalks create dark purply-pink flower spikes.
Plant natal ruby indoors 5-6 weeks before last frost date and then grow in full sun with well-drained soil. The ornamental grass will tolerate a wide range of soil types provided the roots don't get overly bogged down. Gardeners should expect blooms in the late summer and early autumn through until frost.
By using some of these ornamental, annual grasses gardeners can create movement and interest in their garden space. One caution, however, with ornamental grasses - Be sure to check with your local extension office to make sure you don't accidentally plant a species considered invasive in your immediate area.
Have you used grass in your garden lately? Tell me about it in the comments section!
Angela England - Angela England is a problogger, mother of four (yes I know what causes that), speaker, teacher, labor doula, gardener and so much more.
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