Ornamental Annual Grass

• Fountain grass is grown as an annual in many areas. PHOTO 24/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images

  Many ornamental grasses are perennials in only warmer climates. Gardeners in colder climates use them as annuals because they will not survive cold climate winters. Some annual grasses are self-seeding, making them more like a perennial in that they do not need to be replanted the following year. Ornamental grasses are perfect for borders and for filling in spaces in flower gardens.

Tender Fountain Grass

• Tender fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum) is grown as a perennial in year-round warm climates but in many areas, such as the Midwest, it is considered an annual. This Asian native grows to be 24 to 36 inches in height. Fountain grass thrives when kept continually moist and planted in full sun.

Pampas Grass

• Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is hardy to USDA zones 7 through 10. In all other zones, it can only be grown as an annual. Tolerant to full sun, shade and even drought, this 6- to 10-foot grass is an easy ornamental to care for. These large, clumping grasses should be planted at least 10 feet apart.

Mexican Feather Grass

• Mexican feather grass (Nassella tenuissima) is hardy only to USDA zones 6 through 9. In other areas of North America, Mexican feather grass is grown as a 24-inch annual. This is a versatile plant that can thrive both in full sun and partial shade. For best results, do not overwater this drought tolerant grass. Its self-seeding habit makes it unnecessary to replant this grass annually.

Ruby Grass

• Ruby grass (Rhynchelytrum neriglume) is a South African flowering grass named for its fall color. Ruby grass foliage grows approximately 12 inches in a clumping fashion. Light pink flowers sit atop 24-inch stems. Ruby grass is drought tolerant and requires full sun.

Feathertop Grass

• Feathertop grass (Pennisetum villosum) is a blue-green annual native to Africa. One of the shorter varieties of ornamental grasses, feathertop is only 12 to 24 inches tall. Feathertop boasts of showy, 5-inch, white flowers. Plant this ornamental in sun or partial shade and wait for it to self-seed, producing new plants the following year.