Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates

Grass Collection

Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates: A guide to selection and management

Mary Hockenberry Meyer

NOTE: This is an excerpt adapted from Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates. Below is a Table of Contents with the first 3 sections fully listed. Order a complete copy or find more information at the Landscape Arboretum.

 

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Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates helps northern gardeners select ecologically beneficial grasses for sustainable landscapes.

This 2012 edition includes the newest map of the USDA's plant hardiness zones, more than 100 perennial and 35 annual grass species, and more than 100 color photos; based on 25 years of research by University of Minnesota Extension Horticulturalist and Professor Mary Hockenberry Meyer.
 

Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates

Introduction

Grasses add beauty and interest to the garden while providing important ecological benefits and diversity to the landscape.

Their dramatic change through the seasons adds a new dimension to the garden with an informal, natural appearance. Information in this book is based on 25 years of field research results from multiple locations in Minnesota.

The objectives of this publication are to provide accurate information on the culture, landscape features, and special uses of native and non-native grasses and increase appreciation for this diverse family of plants. Botanically speaking, the sedge family is also included, as are a few rushes. This information will help gardeners, nurseries, garden centers, landscape designers, and homeowners who live and garden in the northern or colder climates of the United States.
 

Features of grass

  • Natural appearance
  • Deer resistant—white-tailed deer do not eat most ornamental grasses
  • Few insect or disease problems
  • Low nutrient requirements
  • Little maintenance, except spring cutback
  • More than one season of interest
  • Fast growth—most are mature size by three years
  • Varied texture, from fine fescues to coarse giant Miscanthus
  • An array of foliage colors from many shades of green to blue, yellow, bronze, and red, as well as several variegated forms
  • Movement with the wind provides visual and audio interest, susurration—a whispering or rustling sound—that is pleasing and unique


Research

research locations in Minnesota


Research locations and years of field hardiness trials

  • Morris, Crookston, 1996–2003
  • St. Paul, 1987–1998
  • Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 1987–continuing

The information in this publication is based on University of Minnesota research conducted from 1987 to present in sites throughout the state (see image, left).

  • Culture and maintenance 
  • Soil 
  • Pests 
  • Cool and warm season grasses 
  • USDA plant hardiness zone map
    • Winter hardiness
  • Ornamental grasses from A to Z
    • Perennial grasses
    • Annual grasses
  • Grasses for special landscape needs
    • Lakeshores, marshes, and water gardens
    • Hardy in USDA plant hardiness zone 3 (-30° to -40°)
    • Grasses for shade
    • Grasses for dry shade
    • Grasses for containers
    • Screens or hedges
    • Erosion control and invasive rhizomes
    • Grasses that self-seed
    • Hot and dry sites
    • Boulevard gardens
    • Grasses for wildlife
    • Grasses for prairie restorations
    • Winning combinations
    • Alternative lawns
    • Fall color and winter interest
  • Growing Miscanthus in cold climates
    • Miscanthus cultivar and species list