8 Best Ornamental Grasses for Central Texas Landscapes
The punishing Texas climate can make it challenging for homeowners to plan their landscapes. Ideally, you’d create a beautiful, magical space that enhances your home’s curb appeal. But with droughts and low soil quality, how can you know what foliage will withstand the tumultuous Texas temperatures?
Thankfully, you don’t have to guess. There are several options to choose from that can survive the fickle nature of Texas climates and add intrigue to your landscape. With that in mind, here are eight of the best ornamental grasses that you can install on your property.
- Lindheimer’s Muhly
- Mexican Feathergrass
- Purple Fountain Grass
- Maiden Grass
- Blue Grama
- Inland Sea Oats
- Switchgrass
- Gulf Muhly
Lindheimer’s Muhly
Also marketed as “Big muhly,” Lindheimer’s muhly is a beloved ornamental grass that works particularly well in the arid Texas climate. It doesn’t mind the sun beating directly down on it, and it even thrives in well-drained soil. It’s also drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, so it’ll have fewer worries regarding maintenance or getting snatched up by a hungry, hooved creature.
Mexican Feathergrass
Mexican feathergrass is among the most popular ornamental grasses in the South, so you’ve probably already seen it. It sways gracefully in the wind, looking almost like waves of water when the wind catches it. It also adds a distinct softness and pairs well with other native plants in garden beds or planters.
Like many other grasses on this list, it prefers full sun and is incredibly drought-tolerant. But be warned: It does reseed, so it might end up sprawling into unwanted areas.
Purple Fountain Grass
Purple fountain grass lives up to its name: It has feather-like plumes and plum-colored foliage that are certain to catch the eye of anyone walking by.
While it isn’t native to Texas, it’s appropriate for the climate and has terrific staying power as a perennial. Many homeowners love using it to add excitement and color to an otherwise drab landscape.
Maiden Grass
Maiden grass can reach up to eight feet tall, and its plant can spread up to five feet wide, making it a great choice for those who want to use natural landscaping elements to create a privacy screen. Its vibrant green color turns a dusty bronze in the fall, and it features flowery, feathery plumes that your yard can easily hide behind. It’s another plan that loves its sun and can be quite drought-tolerant once it takes root.
Blue Grama
Blue grama is almost the opposite of maiden grass: It grows much lower to the ground and forms dense clumps. It has brilliant blue-green foliage that eventually transitions to tan in the fall, and it’s exceedingly drought-tolerant — even compared to other tough ornamental grasses. This makes it the perfect candidate for xeriscaping or as a pop of color in a rock garden.
Inland Sea Oats
With such a name, you might think this grass would thrive next to bodies of water. And while inland sea oats certainly loves soil with high water content, it can manage in drier conditions once it gets comfortable. The foliage is very similar to oats and grows up to four feet tall, resulting in an attractive, warm addition to a landscape that works particularly well in areas with filtered light.
Switchgrass
Switchgrass is a highly versatile plant. Varying soil conditions are no sweat for switchgrass, and it can even thrive in sand or clay. It’s another plant that’s highly drought-tolerant while also effectively controlling erosion. Its blue-green color shifts to a warm golden hue come fall.
Gulf Muhly
Gulf muhly, also called pink muhly grass, is another option for those wanting a more striking, colorful landscape. The pink, cloud-like plumes only reveal themselves in the fall, making it an excellent pairing with other grasses that lose their vibrancy when summer ends.
While it prefers full sun, it can also tolerate partial shade, making it more versatile and easier to plant in areas that don’t get as much sun.
A Dry Climate Doesn’t Have to Ruin Your Design
Nature’s beauty finds a way to shine in any climate. If you know where to look, you can grow several kinds of beautiful plants without fear of losing them to the harsh Texas climate. With these options, you have several exciting choices for creating low-maintenance but high-impact landscaping.
Grass Works has been providing Expert Residential & Commercial Local Lawn Care Services in Central Texas: Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Avery Ranch, Bee Cave, Lakeway, Steiner Ranch & West Austin since 2007! Need help with your landscaping? Get a free estimate today!
Ferris MyCue is the founder and owner of Grass Works Lawn Care, LLC located in Leander, TX. As a former firefighter who maintained yards on his days off, he saw a need for a dependable, local maintenance company that knew the hill country climate and could deliver quality landscaping services for a reasonable price. Since 2007 he has used his leadership to grow the company into one of the top landscape maintenance companies in Austin and surrounding areas offering landscape maintenance, design, and irrigation services to both residential and commercial clients. Ferris is also a member of the Seasonal Employment Alliance (SEA) and an active participant in advocacy efforts to help promote cap relief.