7 Ornamental Grasses That Will Add Beauty As Well As Privacy To Your Yard

MOLLY SHANNON  - stock.adobe.com - illustrative purposes only
MOLLY SHANNON - stock.adobe.com - illustrative purposes only

With the help of tall grass, you can create a privacy fence for your yard without actually needing to erect a new structure. Trees and shrubs can achieve the goal, but you’ll be waiting much longer for them to grow high enough.

Planting fast-growing ornamental grasses are the way to go if you’re looking for an effective and inexpensive method to block the view of your neighbor’s prying eyes.

So check out these seven ornamental grasses to increase privacy and add beauty to your yard at a low cost.

Pink Hair Grass

Pink hair grass has a vibrant pinkish color that resembles soft cotton candy. It’s not hard to grow at all. The grass is dense and reaches about three or four feet, making it ideal for lining the edge of a patio.

The pink flowers appear in September and retain their beauty even through winter. Pink hair grass grows well in sandy or rocky soil and can tolerate dry conditions.

Pampas Grass

Pampas grass grows in clumps that can get up to eight to twelve feet tall and have a spread of about four to six feet. It’s an excellent choice for the purposes of privacy.

This grass can tolerate drought and various soil conditions. It does its best when it receives full sunlight. But be careful! Pampas grass grows efficiently and can take over your yard if you let it.

MOLLY SHANNON – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only

Zebra Grass

Zebra grass has elegant foliage that needs ample room to grow. It’s visually appealing, with its green strands flecked with gold. The grass can reach a height of five to eight feet, so you can count on it to fit your privacy needs.

It grows in clumps, so it works well as a hedge. But since it’s so versatile, zebra grasses can also be planted in borders or as accent plants in a garden.

Zebra grass thrives in moist, well-drained soil with a neutral pH. It doesn’t need much watering after it’s established.

Switchgrass

A North American prairie grass, switchgrass is made up of feathery stalks that sway gracefully in the breeze. The grass has purplish tips and turns a golden coppery color in the fall.

Switchgrass is remarkably adaptable, thriving in both moist and dry conditions. It prefers full sun and sandy or clay soil.

And it grows to about three to six feet tall. It also provides a food source and shelter for birds in the winter.

Fountain Grass

Its spray of fuzzy purplish foliage is where fountain grass gets its name. It provides a dramatic look and gives any garden texture and color all summer and autumn.

The tall grass grows in clumps and enjoys full sun but can still grow in partly shaded areas. It gets up to three to five feet in both height and width.

Chinese Silver Grass

This sun-loving grass is green and tinged with silvery plumes, hence its name. It can grow to an impressive height of seven or eight feet, creating an effective barrier.

Chinese silver grass needs fertile, moist soil and plenty of sunlight. Cut the grass down in the spring before new growth arrives, so it will return brighter and stronger.

Big Bluestem Grass

This plant is native to North America, and although it may not be as attractive as other ornamental grasses, it produces an adequate wall of privacy. It grows to about six feet tall and has a blue-green tint to it.

Deer and drought do not pose a problem for big bluestem grass. Simply plant it in a sunny spot and watch it flourish.

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Emily  Chan is a writer who covers lifestyle and news content. She graduated from Michigan State University with a ... More about Emily Chan

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