Ornamental Grasses for Fall Interest

Ornamental grasses are often touted as providing 4 seasons of interest. That’s usually an exaggeration. Most grasses start to look a little ragged by mid-winter and need a complete shearing before regrowth starts in the spring. However, there are several wonderful varieties that do put on their best show in the fall. Since the frothy plumes of ornamental grasses are actually their seed heads, it makes sense that fall would be their peak season. Blue Oat Grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens), Red Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum) 'Shenandoah' and the easy going Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum purpurascens) at right, will deliver texture, form and even sound all season, with a fall finale of airy flower stalks, to catch the autumn light.