Two tall grass varieties are excellent for use in privacy screening. Planted in front of existing fencing, watered until established, and enough space allowed for growth, both of these grasses are capable of providing privacy, reducing noise, screening undesirable views, enhancing property value, and benefiting the environment in the first year.
If a backyard is unusable because of close neighbors or a busy traffic way, consider privacy screening in front of existing fencing with these large grass varieties. Planted close to one another and left standing throughout the winter months they will offer the homeowner or business seclusion from nearby neighbors or industry. Less expense and faster growth than trees or shrubs, make tall ornamental grass a desirable alternative.
Silver Feather Maiden Hair Grass - Zones 4 – 9
Silver Feather Maiden Hair Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Silberfeder') is a German cultivar and sports gorgeous white feather plumes as early as late August. It will bloom well before many other Maiden Hair grass varieties. The white plums contrast strikingly with sturdy, green foliage. Although this plant is mostly upright, it can take a lot of room. Confining the outer foliage with a 'collar' of 6x6x24 to 30 inches of welded wire mesh will prohibit the plant from taking over a walkway or path.
Leaving the plant untrimmed throughout the winter offers visual appeal and a blowing wind suggests the sounds of wind chimes. The height and thickness of the plant allows for privacy screening all winter. Cutting the grass back to about 8 to 10 inches before new growth in the spring is all the maintenance needed. Older plants tend to die in the center and dividing the root ball every 3 to 5 years will prevent this from happening.
A note of caution: The leaves of the Maiden Hair Grass are capable of cutting the skin as it has 'serrated' edges when stroked backwards.
- Color – leaves green, blooms white
- Deer resistant
- Bloom Time – Late summer, long blooming
- Sun – Full and afternoon sun
- Soil – Adaptable to all soils, even clay
- Moisture – Water regularly until established, then drought tolerant
- Height – Extra large, over 5 ft.
- Width – 4 ft. to 5 ft.
- No pests
- Propagation by dividing
- Fast growing – 5' the first year if watered regularly
- Blooms provide seeds for birds
Zebra Grass - Zones 4 – 9
Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus' is an ornamental grass with defining characteristics. The horizontal pale strips throughout the foliage are unique to Zebra Grass. A garden plant from Japan, the Zebra Grass thrives in high stress environments.
The leaves of the Zebra Grass are not as upright and sturdy as the Maiden Hair Grass. It requires a 'collar' for support unless there is sufficient room for it to spread out. Leaving the plant untrimmed throughout the winter will add visual appeal and privacy screening. The wind blowing the leaves makes a pleasant rustling sound.
- Color – leaves green, blooms dark pink
- Deer resistant
- Bloom Time – Late summer, long blooming
- Sun – Full sun to light shade
- Soil – Adaptable to all soils, even clay
- Moisture – Water regularly until established, then drought tolerant
- Height – Extra large, 6 to 8 ft.
- No pests
- Propagation by dividing
- Fast growing – 5' or more the first year if watered regularly
- Width – 5' or more
- Blooms provide seeds for birds
Cutting the grass back to about 8 to 10 inches before new growth in the spring is all the maintenance needed. Older plants tend to die in the center and dividing the root ball every 3 to 5 years will prevent this from happening.
Privacy screening with tall grass varieties in front of existing fencing is an inexpensive way to eliminate a 'fish bowl' effect in any back yard or private space. Both these grasses are very low maintenance and grow extensively in almost any environment. Neither grasses are prone to invasiveness by putting off runners. Use tall grasses for quick growth, inexpensive privacy and eye appeal the first year of planting.
Sources:
High Country Gardens Product Catalog
Beverly Bright - Beverly worked in industrial/commercial Architectural Drafting and Design for 35 years and owned and managed her own business for 17 of ...
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