Ornamental Grasses in South Carolina
The temperate environment of South Carolina provides ideal conditions for the growth of a variety of ornamental grass species. Ornamental grasses are popular decorative plants because of their low cost, easy planting, low maintenance and adaptability to a wide variety of conditions. Most ornamental grasses requires pruning at the beginning of spring for best growth through the growing season.
Japanese Sweet Flag
Japanese sweet flag ornamental grass thrives in moist soil conditions with partial to full sunlight. This grass species has fine, green leaves that grow to a height of 12 inches. Japanese sweet flag grass, like most other warm climate ornamental grasses are best planted in the spring or summer.
Big Bluestem
One of the tallest native grasses in South Carolina, big bluestem grass grows in thick, dense clumps with broad, blue-green leaves to a height of 3 to 8 feet. Big bluestem requires direct sunlight and moist soil conditions while being initially established. Once established, big bluestem grass is highly drought resilient.
- The temperate environment of South Carolina provides ideal conditions for the growth of a variety of ornamental grass species.
- Japanese sweet flag grass, like most other warm climate ornamental grasses are best planted in the spring or summer.
Giant Reed
One of the world's tallest grasses, growing 10 to 20 feet, giant reed ornamental grass has distinctive wide, blue-green leaves arranged along a ridged, bamboo-like central stem. Giant reed grass prefers moist soil and full sunlight. It is considered an invasive species is some areas of South Carolina where optimal environmental conditions exist.
Weeping Sedge
Weeping sedge is a popular warm climate ornamental grass that grows in large, dense clumps. The wide, evergreen leaves "weep" outward from the clump's center to a maximum height of 2 to 2 1/2 feet. Unlike other ornamental grass, weeping sedge prefers partial shade and requires annual reseeding for optimal health.
Pampas Grass
Pampas ornamental grass grows in large clumps and can reach 12 feet in height. Large, broad leaves arch out from the central core of the clump, revealing central stems with flowers that bud during the summer months. Pampas grass spreads slowly and requires direct sunlight and well drained soil.
- One of the world's tallest grasses, growing 10 to 20 feet, giant reed ornamental grass has distinctive wide, blue-green leaves arranged along a ridged, bamboo-like central stem.
- Unlike other ornamental grass, weeping sedge prefers partial shade and requires annual reseeding for optimal health.
Related Articles
References
Writer Bio
Stan Kane is an experienced professional pilot and freelance writer. He enjoys writing about a diverse range of outdoor, science and technology topics. Kane has a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida Tech and has been writing for Demand Studios since 2009.
