Grasslike Forms

Gardening by the Yard : Episode GBY-607 -- More Projects »

The arching, grasslike foliage of daylilies emerges weeks before the first flower appears.

Ornamental grasses are most desirable when their wispy fronds blow in the wind, and lots of folks choose to plant them for that reason. But did you know that there are plants with similar foliage that aren't grasses at all? Let's take a look at some of the more stunning varieties of grasses and non-grasses.

Daylilies are among the showiest plants with grassy foliage. They're popular perennials that aren't in the grass family, but they resemble plants that are. Fortunately, daylilies are among the easiest plants to grow--whether in the ground or in containers--and they practically thrive on neglect, which is another reason to love them. The range of colors includes a broad spectrum, except for blue and pure white. You can pick from early-, mid- and late-season bloomers to provide continuous color. Daylilies need at least six hours of sun to produce the best blooms, and they'll bloom most prolifically in a rich, humusy soil that retains moisture well. You might also find that after four or five years they don't produce as many blooms, which is a sure sign that they need to be dug up and divided, a task best tackled in late summer.

Figure A

Lemon grass is edible, and the stalks are used in Asian dishes of all kinds (figure A). It grows well in the ground but is sometimes grown in pots, which is a good method if your garden is far from your kitchen. Just snip a few stalks and add them to stir-fry dishes or to lemonade.

Figure B

Figure C

Liriope is a popular group of grass-like plants--commonly called lilyturf or monkey grass (figure B). These small evergreen plants--which are related to lilies--are used throughout much of the country as groundcovers. Liriope is easy to grow and is native to China and Japan. It's tolerant of every soil type, grows in either sun or shade, divides easily and can even withstand a fair amount of salt spray, which is great if you live near the ocean. Liriope is available in varying heights--from just a few inches to more than a foot--with both solid green or variegated foliage and bold, blue flowers that resemble grape hyacinths (figure C). Use caution when planting, because liriope can quickly take over a garden.

Figure D

Ophiopogon (figure D) is similar in many ways but slightly less hardy than liriope; it too is useful as a groundcover. Commonly called mondo grass or dwarf monkey grass, these grass-like plants are Asian natives as well.

Bamboos (figure E) are true grasses. Nurseries usually stock the running types that have given bamboo a bad name. That reputation is well-deserved, because that type of bamboo often found in nurseries, a Phyllostachys known as yellow-groove bamboo, will quickly take over a landscape. It's so tough that its shoots will actually grow through asphalt (figure F). Even dwarf varieties of bamboo such as P leioblastus can spread rapidly unless planted within a physical barrier such as a narrow gap between a sidewalk and brick planter. However, there are dozens of hardy bamboos available that grow in tight clumps and aren't invasive (figure G). If your nursery doesn't stock them, ask if they can be ordered.

Figure E

Figure F

Figure G

Figure H

Irises are another popular grass-like plant, and like daylilies, they are available in a wide range of types and colors (figure H). Even after the flowers fade, the grassy foliage remains.

Also in this Episode

Gardening by the Yard : Episode GBY-607
•	Combat Wind Damage
•	Grasslike Forms
•	Bits and Pieces
•	Rabbits

Gardening

Grasslike Forms

Tools

MOST POPULAR

Gardening

Grasslike Forms

Tools

MOST POPULAR

Home and Garden Ideas from our sponsors