Libertyville Landscapers Elan Landscapes Discusses Ornamental Grasses Perfect for Gardens

LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. - June 27, 2016 - PRLog -- Ornamental grasses play a very important role in providing curb appeal, and they are very commonly used in gardens, flowerbeds, and other locations throughout homeowners' yards.  Elan Landscapes, one of Chicagoland's most trusted landscaping companies, has offered some advice on different types of ornamental grasses that thrive in the area's climate.

Shorter Grasses

Hakonechloa 'Aureola' grows up to 15" in height. It resembles a weeping willow, and it grows in a clump-like fashion. It provides textural contrast when used next to common broadleaf plants found in most gardens, and like leaves outside, this grass species may turn burgundy, gold, or rust-colored in the fall. It is one of the shortest ornamental grasses in the area, and it survives through winters and manages droughts well once it has been established.

Medium-Length Options

Molinia 'Moorflamme' grows up to 28" in height. The blades are thin and stand up straight, which provides visual appeal in a blowing breeze. The blades of grass turn gold in the fall, but it is best used in irrigated beds since it requires a lot of moisture.

Chasmanthium, or Northern Sea Oats, grows up to 36" tall and slightly resembles leaves that droop and sway in the breeze. The lovely dark color adds nice contrast against other ornamental grasses, and the seed heads turn copper in the fall. It tolerates only partial sun, so homeowners should plant this particular grass in shady areas.

Tall Ornamental Grasses

Miscanthus 'Silver Feather' is one of the tallest ornamental grasses that will grow in the Chicago climate. It stands a massive 84" tall and is best planted along corners behind other ornamentals. In September, the fluffy flower head turns a beautiful silver color, giving the grass its common name.

Finally, Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster' grows up to 60" tall and remains its rigid, upright stance - even through the winter months. This variety flowers early in the spring, too, which can add a pop of color early on when most other plants have yet to grow or bloom. Please visit: http://elanlandscapes.com/ for more information.