Ornamental Grasses (Part 1)

Lindheimers muhly Photo by Debbie Roland

By Debbie Roland, Master Gardener

Ornamental grasses are some of the most reliable plants you can add to a West Texas garden.  They thrive in our hot, dry climate, require little maintenance, and provide year-round beauty with their swaying textures and graceful forms.  From small border plants to tall, dramatic screens, grasses fit into almost any landscape style.

One of the most significant advantages of ornamental grasses is their drought tolerance.  Many are native to our area, and once established, they need minimal watering and are a great asset during our long, hot summers.  Their deep root systems also help prevent soil erosion.

A favorite for West Texas is Lindheimer’s muhly (Muhlenbergia lindheimeri).  This large, clumping grass grows upright with blue-green leaves and airy plumes that appear late in the summer.  It works well as a focal point or in a mass planting.  

A medium-sized option is little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium).  This native grass starts blue-green in summer and turns shades of copper and orange in the fall.  It also provides valuable cover for birds and pollinators.  Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is another native that performs well here with strong upright growth and feathery blooms that catch the wind.

These grasses aren’t just pretty, but they can serve as a way to soften hard edges in flowerbeds and raised beds.  Small types can serve as edging along sidewalks, patios, and rock gardens.  These plants in all sizes are perfect for xeriscape areas.

Care is easy.  Most grasses should be cut back once a year.  I do all my cutback around mid-February.  This cutback applies to all plants in my yard, not just the grasses.  Using this time frame provides the birds and insects with a place to winter over, and I enjoy watching them from my kitchen window throughout the winter.

The picture that accompanies this article was purchased in 2024 at the Master Gardener Spring Plant Sale and is planted in a raised bed.  I combine grasses with flowers and vegetables to create color and texture combinations.  The movement of the grasses when the wind blows, changing seasonal colors, and easy care is a stunning and perfect addition to my landscape.

If you have questions, call the AgriLife office in Odessa at 498-4071 or in Midland at 686-4700.   Additional information, and our blog for access to past articles, is available at westtexasgardening.org.  Click on “Resources.”