Ornamental grasses are a fantastic addition to any garden or landscape. One of the great advantages of these plants is their fast growth rate. Unlike evergreen trees and shrubs that can take years to reach their mature size, ornamental grasses typically grow to their full size in just two seasons.
This rapid growth makes ornamental grasses an excellent choice for creating privacy hedges. When planted in a row, these grasses can quickly fill in any gaps, providing a natural and beautiful barrier between your property and the outside world. Whether you want to block out unsightly views, create a secluded area in your garden, or simply add some privacy to your outdoor space, ornamental grasses can do the job efficiently.
It’s important to note that the exact growth rate of ornamental grasses can vary depending on the specific species and growing conditions. However, in general, these grasses are known for their vigorous growth and ability to establish quickly.
To give you a better idea, let’s take a look at a few popular types of ornamental grasses and their typical growth rates:
1. Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora): This grass is known for its upright growth habit and feathery flower spikes. It can reach its mature size of around 3 to 5 feet in just one to two growing seasons.
2. Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum): This grass is prized for its graceful arching foliage and attractive plume-like flowers. Depending on the variety, fountain grass can grow to be 2 to 4 feet tall in just one to two seasons.
3. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum): Switchgrass is a versatile grass that offers both beauty and functionality. It can grow to be anywhere from 3 to 8 feet tall, depending on the cultivar. With its rapid growth rate, you can expect switchgrass to reach its mature size within two to three seasons.
4. Miscanthus Grass (Miscanthus sinensis): Miscanthus grasses come in a variety of sizes, from compact forms that reach around 3 feet tall to larger varieties that can grow up to 8 feet or more. Regardless of the size, most miscanthus grasses will reach their mature height within two to three seasons.
These are just a few examples of the many ornamental grasses available to gardeners. Each species and variety may have slightly different growth rates, so it’s always a good idea to check the specific recommendations for the grass you choose to plant.
In my own experience, I have planted various ornamental grasses in my garden to create privacy hedges and add visual interest. I was amazed at how quickly these grasses filled in the gaps and provided the privacy I desired. Within just a couple of growing seasons, my once sparsely planted area transformed into a lush and dense hedge.
Ornamental grasses are known for their fast growth rate, typically reaching their mature size within two seasons. This makes them an excellent choice for creating privacy hedges, as they can quickly fill in any gaps and provide a beautiful barrier. The specific growth rate may vary depending on the species and growing conditions, but in general, ornamental grasses are reliable and efficient growers.
