Last updated on March 28th, 2023
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If you want to grow ornamental grasses in your garden but simply don’t have the space or the soil necessary, you can always have the option to grow evergreen grasses in pots and planters. By growing popular evergreen grasses in a container you are able to control the proliferation and potential invasiveness of certain varieties while enjoying everything that ornamental grasses have to offer. If you have a small patio, balcony or just fancy planting some grasses in containers in a shady spot, below are our top eight evergreen ornamental kinds of grass for pots, starting with one of our top favourites, the Carex Evergold.
1. Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’
This variety of Carex gets its name from the ever golden centres the leaves provide. The natural colours of the plant bring a golden yellow line up the centre of the leaves that are edged in green. This variegated grass is known for its ability to grow happily in shadier areas, where it will produce arching ornamental foliage. The leaves are long and narrow and the plant itself grows in mounds that get as tall as they do wide. This is a brilliant choice for growing in containers and pots because it only reaches approximately 30cm tall and provides the all-year-round colour.
2. Ficinia truncata ‘Ice Crystal’
This frosty sedge (as it is also known) gets its name from the frosted perimeter of each leaf. An evergreen that is quite small and perfect for the smaller gardens, reaching no more than 30cm in height and spread. It does well with full sun or partial shade and is tolerant of sea winds, making it great for coastal gardens. This new variety is a little tender so is best kept inside a greenhouse overwinter in the coldest areas of the UK, and this is where growing it in pots gives you a huge advantage, however, if you live in the milder areas of the UK then it should be find grown outdoors all year round.
3. Festuca glauca ‘Intense Blue’ – Blue Fescue
The Festuca ‘Intense blue’ gets its name from the intense blue colour the leaves take on. An ornamental grass that produces silver-blue foliage, it is quite drought tolerant once it is fully established, making it low maintenance and much easier than some other plants to grow in pots. It is deer resistant which may be useful for some and, like most grasses, has no issues with pests or diseases. A great choice for growing in pots for year round colour.
Read our article on growing ornamental grasses for some tips and tricks.
4. Cortaderia selloana ‘Pumila’ – Dwarf Pampas Grass
Nearly everyone has heard of pampas grass, however, most varieties grow far too large for containers but this dwarf pampas grass is a must-have for any container or pot. It is compact and still produces the magnificent arching leaves topped with the stunning cream-white plumes with soft tips. Once fully established it requires next to no maintenance. It is a showy plant that reaches between 120-180cm in height and between 90-120cm in spread, but you can contain this if you are growing them pots. It prefers full sun or light shade and well-drained compost.
5. Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ – Black Mondo Grass
Commonly known as Black Mondo Grass, this grass-like perennial is actually part of the Lily family and will grow in spreading clumps at a somewhat slower rate. At maturity, it will span 20-30cm in height and spread. The stemless plant grows deep green basal leaves that look black in the summer. The arch produces bell-shaped flowers that start off white and get tinted with pink or lilac in summer. These flowers get dark purple berries, so there is something to admire all season long. Being one of the smaller grasses it makes a great choice for growing in pots and containers.
6. Stipa tenuissima ‘Pony Tails’ – Mexican Feather Grass
Another wonderful ornamental grass that is perfect for growing in containers. The Pony Tails variety of Mexican Feather Grass will grow in dense clumps that reach between 30cm and 60cm in spread and height. They love full sunlight and when grown, will provide a translucent appearance that moves gracefully in the wind. The plant produces thread-thin leaves that are silver and green with feather-tipped panicles begging to be touched. Like all ornamental grasses, these are pest and disease-free.
7. Carex buchananii – Leatherleaf Sedge
A native to New Zealand, this leatherleaf sedge gets its name from the leathery like quality and colour of the leaves. Rather than growing nothing but green, you can grow a copper/bronze collection of ornamental grasses by integrating this beauty into your garden. It does well in containers and can be used in coastal gardens or in borders. It grows in clumps and reaches 75cm maximum in height and spread, so also looks amazing in taller pots. Best planted in full sun or partial shade in a sheltered position.
8. Carex oshimensis ‘Everlite’
The Everlite sedge gets its name from the seemingly nonstop light that appears to bounce right off the leaves. In reality, the centre of each long, arching leaf is filled with a bright white, cream colour alongside the green perimeter. Stunning, this ornamental grass gives vibrancy and colour all year round. Only growing to around 30cm makes it the perfect companion plant for pots or containers filled with other plants. That being said, it also looks stunning planted on its own too.
No matter the variety you pick, any of these eight ornamental evergreen kinds of grass for containers will be easy to grow and maintain, require very little care from you, and give you all of the aesthetic appeals that ornamental grasses have to offer.
Last update on 2024-04-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
