Autumn is not the best season for most landscape plants. Flowering perennials are starting to fade, hostas and ferns are drooping and sun-scorched, and many shrubs and trees are losing their leaves. But one family of plants is at its peak in autumn -- the ornamental grasses.

Ornamental grasses are magnificent, some standing 10 feet high, their slender blades arching away from tall feathery stalks that sway in the breeze. They're typically used as specimen plants -- proudly displayed in the middle or along a corner of the yard.

Fountain Grass

Maiden Grass

Two of the favorites at Lavalette Nursery and Garden Center are perennial fountain grass (pennisetum alopecuroides) and maiden grass (miscanthus sinensis). Both will grow in very nice, neat mounds or clumps. They tend to mix very well with other perennials and will not become invasive. They will increase in girth slowly over time. Stop in and check out these and other ornamental grasses in many shapes and sizes.

Autumn is the best time to plant ornamental grasses. Choose a spot in full sun or with very light shade. It's important to dig a hole several times wider than the container and to amend the soil well with organic matter. Plants should be planted no deeper than their previous growing depths and should be well watered after planting.

Ornamental grasses require relatively low levels of fertilizers. Keeping the level of nitrogen low will prevent the grasses from flopping over. About one-quarter cup of 10-10-10 fertilizer per plant is sufficient, applied just as growth resumes in the spring.

Plants should be well watered the first season after planting so they can develop a good root system. Established plants do not need regular watering, but may need supplemental watering during drought periods.

If you usually cut your other perennials to the ground during fall cleanup, skip the ornamental grasses. They are attractive when left standing all winter, and the foliage helps to insulate the crown of the plant. In the spring, before new growth starts, cut back the foliage to about 4 to 6 inches.

Ornamental grasses should be used as an accent or specimen plant, or in the middle of borders with other perennials. Fall color of the blooms ranges from white to coppery purple, depending on the variety. Leaf color is often a shade of yellow-gold.

Ornamental grasses are perfect for people who prefer low-maintenance landscapes. Grasses are adaptable and can grow in poorer soils better than many other garden plants. They require little effort to maintain, and are available in many heights, colors and textures. The seed heads and foliage add fall and winter interest and have many decorative uses indoors and out.