Are all ornamental grasses perennial?
Most of the grasses we grow are perennial. There are annual and perennial varieties that are grown as annuals because they aren’t hardy in Minnesota. Some of the more interesting marginally hardy perennial varieties can be grown successfully with extra protection. Can’t ornamental grasses become invasive in the garden? While most hardy varieties are clump grasses, (not runners) there are a few that can become a problem. Ribbon grass (Phalaris a. ‘Picta’) and Chinese Silver grass (Miscanthus sacchariflorus) have become invasive in our area. On the other hand, there are circumstances where their invasive quality might help stabilize an erosion problem. Will these grasses fit into different styles of landscaping? The varieties you choose and where you site them can produce vastly different styles. A neat, compact border of Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca) or a stately clump of Silver Spike grass (Spodiopogon) would compliment the most formal landscaping. The looser, more natural forms of Hair
