Help with Ornamental Grass (1 Viewer)

[Payne]

We are looking to plant some ornamental grass for privacy reasons in Michigan.
We saw some on a walk that almost had a straw consistency, but there appears to be many, many variations.
We would like something that is dense (little to no spacing for privacy) and grows between 3-5' or so. Not one that is more ground cover.

Anyone have any suggestions. Zebra grass seems to be the one that keeps popping up in my research.

 

[Dezbelief]

22 Terrific Tall Grasses

Include vertical interest in your plantings with tall ornamental grasses. These low-maintenance perennials add movement and multi-season beauty to any yard.

www.hgtv.com

 

[arrow1]

Most of it will go nuts and take over.

 

[NutterButter]

We are looking to plant some ornamental grass for privacy reasons in Michigan.
We saw some on a walk that almost had a straw consistency, but there appears to be many, many variations.
We would like something that is dense (little to no spacing for privacy) and grows between 3-5' or so. Not one that is more ground cover.

Anyone have any suggestions. Zebra grass seems to be the one that keeps popping up in my research.

Not sure which variety I have but its the same as what you're looking for. The nice thing if you need a lot and are willing to wait is that it does widen pretty rapidly and then you can split it and replant elsewhere. You're obviously aware that you're not gonna have any privacy in the sping when its re-growing for the season.

 

[Da Guru]

We are looking to plant some ornamental grass for privacy reasons in Michigan.
We saw some on a walk that almost had a straw consistency, but there appears to be many, many variations.
We would like something that is dense (little to no spacing for privacy) and grows between 3-5' or so. Not one that is more ground cover.

Anyone have any suggestions. Zebra grass seems to be the one that keeps popping up in my research.

We have 6 spread out. I like 3 of them and want to replace 3. They all look good until about August. The Zerba is huge now and looks great, then it grows too high and falls over after a storm. Another one I bought looks great until it gets too big and falls over to one side. So I have to tie them up.

Then I have 3 that are perfect. Grows into big balls and bends perfectly and stays that way no matter the weather. I have no idea where I got each one though. Bought some at Costco, Home Depot and a nursery.

Whatever you get will look good the first few years, then you can tell what direction they are going.

 

[Payne]

We are looking to plant some ornamental grass for privacy reasons in Michigan.
We saw some on a walk that almost had a straw consistency, but there appears to be many, many variations.
We would like something that is dense (little to no spacing for privacy) and grows between 3-5' or so. Not one that is more ground cover.

Anyone have any suggestions. Zebra grass seems to be the one that keeps popping up in my research.

Not sure which variety I have but its the same as what you're looking for. The nice thing if you need a lot and are willing to wait is that it does widen pretty rapidly and then you can split it and replant elsewhere. You're obviously aware that you're not gonna have any privacy in the sping when its re-growing for the season.

There is one spot I prefer to have sooner than later. The rest I can wait.

I might have to get a local expert out to help choose the best one.

Appreciate all the help!

 

[Payne]

Most of it will go nuts and take over.

Yeah, I've read some can be pretty invasive.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Most of it will go nuts and take over.

Yeah, I've read some can be pretty invasive.

Not only that, but dense grasses catch other seeds and pretty soon you have a sycamore tree growing in the middle of your grass patch. The density makes it hard to weed/clean if you're building a grass wall.

 

[odin33]

Most of it will go nuts and take over.

Yeah, I've read some can be pretty invasive.

Not only that, but dense grasses catch other seeds and pretty soon you have a sycamore tree growing in the middle of your grass patch. The density makes it hard to weed/clean if you're building a grass wall.

Agree on both points. You may want to create a border if you need to contain and some have been known to jump those. Regular maintenance with a good weed wacker usually keep it at bay.

Also when you go to cut it back, wear glove and long sleeves. Some of the grasses seem to have micro razor blades on the edges.

 

[nirad3]

I'm not sure if it qualifies, but just in case... if you are considering bamboo... DON'T.

 

[Payne]

I'm not sure if it qualifies, but just in case... if you are considering bamboo... DON'T.

Wasn't an option, but thank you.

 

[Payne]

One of the reasons we are considering this is my recently turned 3-year-old chocolate lab.

Any concerns with this type of grass and dogs?