Ornamental grasses bring texture, movement, and a touch of the wild to any garden. While they are often associated with sprawling landscapes, many ornamental grasses thrive in containers, making them versatile additions to patios, balconies, and small gardens. This article is based on research conducted on various gardening websites and blogs, including The Spruce, Horticulture.co.uk, and Proven Winners. Here is what gardeners should know about growing ornamental grasses in containers:

Choosing the Right Grasses

Not all ornamental grasses are created equal when it comes to container gardening. Container gardening with ornamental grasses allows for greater flexibility in placement and design, making it ideal for small spaces or those who like to rearrange their gardens frequently. Some varieties are naturally more compact and well-suited to confined spaces. Here are a few excellent choices:

• Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'): This popular choice boasts vibrant burgundy foliage and graceful, arching stems, creating a fountain-like effect. It is a fast-growing grass that is often grown as an annual in colder climates, quickly filling containers with its dramatic presence. Other varieties to try include 'Burgundy Giant' and Pennisetum orientale, which offer different shades of purple and green.
• Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra): This shade-tolerant grass offers cascading foliage in shades of green, gold, or variegation. It is a slower grower that adds a touch of elegance to containers.
• Carex: Many varieties of Carex, with their diverse colors and textures, thrive in containers. Look for compact cultivars with interesting foliage, such as 'Red Rooster' carex (Carex buchananii 'Red Rooster') with its upright, reddish-brown foliage or weeping brown sedge (Carex flagellifera 'Bronzita') with its cascading, bronze-colored leaves.
• Miscanthus sinensis: This popular ornamental grass offers a variety of cultivars suitable for containers, including 'Morning Light' with its thin green leaves and white variegated margins. It grows 3 to 7 feet tall, with dense, upward-arching leaves and flower/seed stems. Other good choices include Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus', M. sinensis 'Autumn Morning', and M. sinensis condensatus 'Cosmopolitan'.
• Stipa arundinacea: This evergreen grass is also very effective in containers.
• New Zealand wind grass (Anemanthele lessoniana): This grass, sometimes known as buffalo's gold, adds a unique touch with its fine, flowing foliage.

When selecting grasses, consider the mature size of the plant, its light requirements, and its overall growth habit. Matching the grass's mature size and light requirements to the container and its location is crucial for success. Choose varieties that fit your container's size and your garden's style. Even if a grass isn't hardy in your climate, you can still enjoy it in a container as an annual, adding a unique touch to your garden.

Container Size and Material The container you choose plays a crucial role in the success of your ornamental grasses. A larger container will allow for better root development, which is crucial for the grass's overall health and vigor. Here is what to consider:

• Size: Choose a container that is large enough to accommodate the mature size of the grass. For larger grasses like Miscanthus, consider a sturdy terracotta pot with a minimum diameter of 18 inches. Smaller grasses like Carex can thrive in more compact containers, such as a 12-inch diameter plastic pot with a decorative finish. The eventual size of the plant will determine what size pot is needed.
• Drainage: Ensure the container has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
• Material: A variety of materials work well for containers, including terracotta, plastic, and wood. Consider the weight and durability of the material, especially if you plan to move the container.

Soil and Watering Ornamental grasses generally prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Knowing the moisture needs of the grasses is important when choosing soil. Use a high-quality potting mix that provides good drainage and aeration. Some grasses prefer sandy soil, while others thrive in loam. Water regularly, especially during hot weather, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Fertilizing and Pruning Fertilize your ornamental grasses sparingly. Too much fertilizer can lead to excessive growth and floppy stems. A slow-release fertilizer applied in spring is usually sufficient. Prune as needed to maintain the desired shape and size of the grass. Remove any dead or damaged foliage.

Overwintering In colder climates, containerized ornamental grasses may need protection during the winter. Here are a few options:

• Move indoors: Bring the container indoors to a cool, dry location with bright, indirect light and cool temperatures (around 50-60°F).
• Mulch: Apply a thick layer of mulch (at least 4 inches) of organic material, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the base of the grass to insulate the roots.
• Wrap: Wrap the container with burlap or bubble wrap to protect it from freezing temperatures.

Hanging Baskets Consider growing ornamental grasses in hanging baskets. This can be a unique and visually appealing way to incorporate ornamental grasses in smaller spaces. Golden variegated hakone grass (Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola') is a particularly good choice for hanging baskets, creating a leafy waterfall effect.

Growing ornamental grasses in containers opens up a world of possibilities for gardeners of all levels. By understanding the needs of these versatile plants and choosing the right containers and care techniques, you can create stunning displays that bring texture, movement, and a touch of the wild to any space. Ornamental grasses are generally low-maintenance plants, making them a great choice for busy gardeners or those new to container gardening. Whether you are looking to add height, break up the fine texture pattern, or provide color all season long, ornamental grasses in containers offer a unique and captivating way to enhance your garden.