Why Fall Is a Great Time to Plant Ornamental Grasses in the Pacific Northwest

Most gardeners plant in spring. But in the South Sound, early fall is one of the best windows of the year, and most miss it.

Why Fall Planting Works Here

The soil still holds summer warmth while the air cools, which is what new roots want. Our ground rarely freezes, so roots keep working through winter.

Cold is seldom what kills a new grass here. Water is. From November through January we average close to eight inches of rain a month, and young roots in cold standing water can rot. Plant the crown at or slightly above the soil surface, and avoid low, boggy spots.

One caution: you still have to water. September averages about two inches of rain, and dependable rain rarely arrives before mid to late October. Until then, soak new plantings twice a week. Our grass care guide covers first-year watering. It advises spring for bare root and divided grasses; container grown plants like ours go in all season.

How Late Is Too Late?

Warm-season grasses (Miscanthus, Pennisetum, Panicum, Bouteloua, Hakonechloa) should go in by mid October. Cool-season grasses and evergreen sedges can wait longer. Never plant into saturated soil.

Five Grasses Worth Considering

All five are in our alphabetical grass listing.

• Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’ 5 feet, full sun, silver foliage, September plumes.
• Miscanthus sinensis ‘Little Miss’ 3 feet in bloom, full sun, foliage reddening from May.
• Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Burgundy Bunny’ 18 inches, full sun, intense red fall color.
• Bouteloua gracilis ‘Blonde Ambition’ 3 feet, full sun, chartreuse flag-like flowers aging to blond seed heads. Needs sharp drainage.
• Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ 1 to 1.5 feet, shade, green and gold, needs steady moisture.

Leave the taller grasses standing through winter, then cut back in February. See when and how to trim ornamental grasses.

Getting It in the Ground

Space grasses over 4 feet tall 4 to 6 feet apart, smaller ones 2 to 3 feet; our plant calculator works out quantities. Loosen the root ball and go easy on feeding. More in why planting right matters.

Come and See Them Grown Up

Judging mature size from a one gallon pot is guesswork. Our display grasses have been in the ground for years, so walk the paths and see the real thing. Bring dimensions or photos and we will help you choose.

We grow over 50 varieties, mostly in 1 gallon pots. Stock moves, so call ahead. Find us at 2009 South Bay Rd NE, Olympia, Monday to Friday noon to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm. See our contact page.

Questions?

Call David Hill at (360) 507-8403.