Upper Midwest Ornamental Grass: Adding Beauty and Functionality to Your Landscape

The Upper Midwest region of the United States is known for its harsh winters and hot summers. However, gardeners in this area can still create a beautiful and functional landscape by incorporating ornamental grasses into their designs. Ornamental grasses are easy to grow, require little maintenance, and offer a variety of benefits such as erosion control and wildlife habitat. In this article, we will explore the different types of ornamental grasses that thrive in the Upper Midwest region and how they can enhance your outdoor space.

The Benefits of Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses are a low-maintenance and eco-friendly landscaping option that offer several benefits. One of the main advantages of ornamental grasses is their ability to prevent soil erosion. Their extensive root systems help stabilize soil, making them an ideal choice for areas prone to erosion. Additionally, ornamental grasses provide habitat for beneficial insects and birds, which can help reduce pest populations in your garden.

Another advantage of ornamental grasses is their versatility. They can be used in a variety of ways, from creating borders and screens to filling in large open spaces. They also come in a wide range of sizes, colors, and textures, allowing you to add visual interest and depth to your landscape design.

Types of Ornamental Grasses for the Upper Midwest

When selecting ornamental grasses for your Upper Midwest garden, it's important to choose varieties that can withstand the region's harsh climate. Here are some of the best options:

Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)

Big Bluestem grass

Big Bluestem is a native prairie grass that can reach heights of up to 8 feet. It has blue-green foliage that turns burgundy in the fall and produces attractive seed heads. This grass prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

Little Bluestem grass

Little Bluestem is a shorter version of the Big Bluestem, reaching heights of only 3 feet. It has blue-green foliage that turns a reddish-orange in the fall and produces fluffy seed heads. This grass is drought-tolerant and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis)

Prairie Dropseed grass

Prairie Dropseed is a fine-textured grass that forms dense clumps up to 18 inches tall. It has bright green leaves that turn yellow in the fall and produces delicate seed heads that resemble drops of water. This grass is drought-tolerant and prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

Switchgrass

Switchgrass is a tall grass that can reach heights of up to 6 feet. It has bluish-green foliage that turns yellow in the fall and produces attractive seed heads. This grass is adaptable to a variety of soil types and can tolerate both drought and wet conditions.

Incorporating Ornamental Grasses into Your Landscape Design

Ornamental grasses can be used in a variety of ways to enhance your landscape design. Here are some ideas:

Create a Focal Point

Use a tall ornamental grass like Big Bluestem or Switchgrass to create a focal point in your garden. Plant it in the center of a large open space or at the back of a border to draw the eye and add height to your design.

Add Texture and Movement

Grasses like Little Bluestem and Prairie Dropseed have delicate foliage that adds texture and movement to your landscape design. Plant them in groups to create a flowing, naturalistic look.

Fill in Large Open Spaces

Ornamental grasses are great for filling in large open spaces where other plants might struggle. Use a combination of grasses with varying heights, textures, and colors to create a visually interesting display.

Create Natural Borders and Screens

Ornamental grasses can be used to create natural borders and screens that provide privacy and visual interest. Use taller grasses like Big Bluestem or Switchgrass to create a living fence, or plant shorter grasses like Little Bluestem or Prairie Dropseed in a border to define the edge of your garden.

Caring for Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses are generally low-maintenance and require little care once established. Here are some tips for keeping your grasses healthy:

• Water newly planted grasses regularly until they become established.
• Prune dead foliage in the spring before new growth appears.
• Divide grasses every few years to prevent overcrowding.
• Fertilize lightly in the spring if necessary.
• Remove dead foliage in the fall after it has turned brown.

Incorporating ornamental grasses into your Upper Midwest landscape design can add beauty, functionality, and ecological benefits. Whether you use them to create a focal point, fill in large open spaces, or provide natural borders and screens, these versatile plants are sure to enhance your outdoor space. With proper care and attention, your ornamental grasses will thrive and bring joy to your garden for years to come.

Upper Midwest, Ornamental Grass, Landscaping, Erosion Control, Wildlife Habitat, Big Bluestem, Little Bluestem, Prairie Dropseed, Switchgrass