How-to Guide
How to Grow Ornamental Grasses
The short answer
Ornamental grasses are low-maintenance perennials grown for foliage, plumes, and winter structure. Most want full sun and well-drained soil, and the best planting time is spring, though container-grown grasses can go in through the season if you stop about a month before the first frost.
The one job that matters most is the annual cutback: cut the old foliage down to roughly 2 to 6 inches just before new growth begins in spring. Removing the old growth lets regrowth start earlier, whereas leaving it can delay new growth by up to about three weeks. Divide warm-season grasses in early spring before growth starts; divide cool-season grasses in early fall.
Choosing and siting
- Give most ornamental grasses full sun and well-drained soil for the sturdiest, best-colored growth.
- Warm-season grasses green up late spring and peak in summer/fall; cool-season grasses grow earliest in spring and cooler weather.
- Leave standing foliage over winter for structure, then cut back before spring.
Planting and dividing
- 1Plant in spring — Set grasses out in spring; container-grown plants can be added all season but stop about a month before first frost so roots establish.
- 2Divide by type — Dig and divide warm-season grasses in early spring just before new growth; divide cool-season grasses in early fall.
The spring cutback
Cut the previous year's foliage to about 2 to 6 inches (a few inches above ground) just before new growth appears in spring. This tidies the clump and lets new shoots emerge earlier; skipping it can delay regrowth by up to three weeks.
✔ Bundle the clump with twine before cutting so the trimmings fall together and are easy to remove.
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-18. We cite university Extension, government, and established horticultural sources — and never invent pesticide rates or dangerous treatments.
- Colorado State University Extension — Ornamental Grasses — Ornamental grasses want full sun and well-drained soil; warm- vs cool-season division timing
- Missouri Botanical Garden / MU Extension — Ornamental Grasses (G6661) — Cut grasses back to a few inches before spring growth; plant in spring, container grasses all season stopping a month before frost
- University of Illinois Extension — Cutting back ornamental grasses — Removing old growth in spring lets regrowth begin earlier; leaving it can delay new growth up to three weeks