7 Ornamental Grasses That Overrun Gardens—and 7 Elegant Alternatives That Stay in Check

They look innocent . Graceful , even . But some ornamental pot are garden bully in disguise — spreading fast , taking over beds , and choking out everything in their way of life . What starts as a stylish accent can gyrate into a full - blown invasion . You plant one tussock , nictate twice , and suddenly it ’s everywhere . The good news program ? you may still get that windy , sculptural look without surrendering your garden . We ’ve assault up seven grasses that are known troublemaker — and paired them with elegant , well - behaved alternatives that play nice with your blank space . Ready to take back control ? allow ’s go .

Miscanthus sinensis (Chinese Silver Grass)

experience for its towering presence , Miscanthus sinensis beguile with its feathery feather and graceful curve still hunt . However , its beauty mask a tendency to spread chop-chop , overshadow other plants . nurseryman often find out themselves battle its invasive nature , as its germ dissipate widely , constitute colonies that are difficult to control . It ’s a classic case of too much of a good thing , where aesthetics issue forth at the cost of garden harmony .

Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass)

Switchgrass is fete for its unsloped complex body part and ability to sway graciously in the wind , embodying a sense of trend . It tot a touch of wilderness to garden while continue in its designated space . Unlike its invasive counterparts , this Gunter Wilhelm Grass respects edge , provide an elegant solution without the risk of encroachment . Its versatility makes it worthy for various landscapes , from formal gardens to prairie - style design .

Pennisetum setaceum (Fountain Grass)

The temptingness of Pennisetum setaceum lie in its arching , bottlebrush - like flowers . Yet , this smasher often comes with a price as it shoot over garden spaces with its rampant growth . The soft plume , while charming , can become a gardener ’s headache , seeding prolifically and spread out beyond their welcome . It ’s a grass that demands care and can well monopolize a garden if impart unchecked .

Pennisetum alopecuroides (Fountain Grass)

Pennisetum alopecuroides offer a refined alternative with its compact form and graceful plumes . This variety maintains the visual appealingness of its cousin without the aggressive spread . Its kempt growth drug abuse makes it a favorite among gardeners looking for drama without disaster . The balmy , tan plumage add a gentle touch , providing texture and movement without invading neighboring plants .

Phalaris arundinacea (Reed Canary Grass)

Reed Canary Grass is notorious for its fast-growing nature , particularly in wetland environments . Its speedy spread and dense growth can quick choke out native vegetation , make a monoculture . While it propose an telling display of leafage , the ecologic impact often outweigh its ornamental note value . This forage is well suited for area where its spread can be contained and managed effectively .

Chasmanthium latifolium (Northern Sea Oats)

Northern Sea Oats entrance with its unique , flat source heads that dangle delicately from slender theme . Unlike Reed Canary Grass , this industrial plant is well - mannered , offer an eye - catching display without taking over . It ’s an fantabulous selection for adding a speck of flightiness to shaded area , allow for a visual rhythm that complements rather than competes . Its adaptability to various status makes it a versatile garden companion .

Arundo donax (Giant Reed)

The impressive stature of Arundo donax makes it a prominent focal point but also a formidable invader . Its rapid maturation and tall , bamboo - like stems can eclipse both plants and anatomical structure . In warm climates , it can be particularly troublesome , disperse sharply and dominate landscapes . This grass requires careful management to prevent it from becoming an overwhelming presence in the garden .

Sorghastrum nutans (Indiangrass)

Indiangrass boasts golden flower spike that view the sunshine attractively , make it a garden favorite . Its non - invasive nature allows it to coexist peacefully with other perennials . This grass provides a hint of prairie charm without the upkeep headaches . It ’s a complete option for those seek to incorporate ornamental eatage into their landscape without fear of it taking over the garden .

Erianthus ravennae (Ravenna Grass)

Ravenna Grass stomach tall with its stately conformation and shimmer silver plumes . Its majestic appearance is equate by its power to spread quickly , often creating more work for gardeners than anticipated . While visually stunning , it can become a garden roughneck , overshadow its neighbors and postulate more blank space than it deserves . This forage need to be carefully deal to maintain command over its growth .

Calamagrostis acutiflora (Feather Reed Grass)

Feather Reed Grass is celebrated for its perpendicular growth and frail plumes , add architectural interest without overpower its surroundings . Unlike Ravenna Grass , it remain well - conduct , making it a reliable plus to any garden . Its graceful form provide year - round interest , suffer tall through the wintertime month . It ’s an ideal choice for creating structure and move in garden design .

Imperata cylindrica (Cogongrass)

Cogongrass becharm with its striking red hues but is infamous for its extremely encroaching nature . It spreads through both seeds and underground rootstalk , often requiring significant feat to verify . This grass can eclipse landscape , displacing aboriginal flora and modify ecosystems . While its color is invoke , the bionomical cost is often too high for responsible for gardeners to warrant its inclusion in their plantings .

Hakonechloa macra (Japanese Forest Grass)

Japanese Forest Grass pop the question a peaceful alternative with its gentle , cascade material body and vibrant green foliage . Its slow growth and clumping habit make it an ideal option for shaded areas where it can thrive without overtaking other plant . This pot append a touch of elegance and tranquility , creating a serene atmosphere in any garden context . It ’s arrant for those looking to innovate color and texture without the bother of constant maintenance .

Nassella tenuissima (Mexican Feather Grass)

Mexican Feather Grass enchants with its soft , flowing texture and shimmering gilded tones . Yet , its appealingness can be betray , as it seeds prolifically , spreading into areas where it was never mean . gardener may get themselves battling its violation more often than not . Though visually captivating , its trespassing nature requires open-eyed direction to prevent it from becoming a garden nuisance .

Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem)

trivial Bluestem steals the show with its vibrant foliage that transition from blueish - green to striking rust in autumn . Its non - invasive growth habit and compendious anatomy make it a gardener ’s friend , providing beauty without the brawl . This grass is double-dyed for adding seasonal stake and color without the risk of it spreading into unwanted areas . It ’s a wonderful choice for those seeking low - maintenance elegance in their garden .

7 Ornamental Grasses That Overrun Gardens—and 7 Elegant Alternatives That Stay in Check