In spring, all hobby gardeners are looking for planting ideasfor your balcony garden. In addition to new flower varieties in bright colors and ground cover plants with delicate leaves, ornamental grasses are also celebrating a comeback this year and conquering balconies and roof terraces. They prove to be real all-rounders that fulfill several functions in the planter all year round. In spring, grasses are charming companions to the first spring flowers, then discreetly fade into the background in summer as a gap filler, only to be celebrated again as impressive soloists in autumn. We explain which grasses are suitable for balcony boxes and flower pots and which combination partners can be used to showcase them particularly effectively.
Grasses for balcony boxes and flower pots: General tips for hobby gardeners
In late summer and early fall, tree nurseries and garden shops are stocked with a wide selection of ornamental grasses. The period August-September-October is particularly ideal for planting perennial grasses in flower boxes. The sensitive exotics can then spend the winter indoors and have enough time to take root well. The hardy native ornamental grasses feel comfortable outside even in the winter months, can easily withstand snow, wind and rain and give the balcony garden a splash of color with their delicate stalks. By the way, there islots of grasses, which produce flowers in late summer and change color in the fall months. Late summer is the right time to plant the flower boxes or create a plan for planting.
Small grasses like to keep flowers and ground cover plants company in the flower box. Ornamental grasses that reach a height of over 80 cm, on the other hand, usually need a flower pot for themselves. However, they can be combined well with short annual flowers that have similar soil and moisture requirements. Another variant that is well suited for the roof terrace is to plant the ornamental grasses in separate planters and then arrange them next to flowers in flower pots. This results in stylish yet easy-care ensembles that are perfect for beginners.
Experienced hobby gardeners or enthusiasts with a green thumb like to experiment and are always looking for suitable combination partners. Whohis flower boxesIf you want to plant with ornamental grasses, it is best to first create a sketch and mark all the plants on it. The following rules should also be observed:
- When planting the flower box, plan a minimum distance of 15 cm between the individual plant species
- Annual and perennial plants can be combined, but they must be marked correctly on the sketch.
- All plants should have similar requirements for location, soil and moisture.
- The eindividual plant speciesand flowers should be color coordinated.
- The flower boxes should be planted in such a way that there is an eye-catcher in every season.
Planting grasses in flower boxes: What you should consider
Ornamental grasses need similarsuch as ground cover and perennials, a little more space than flowers in the balcony box. The basic rule is to leave enough free space, i.e. a minimum distance of 15 cm, between the grass root balls and the other plants. Tall ornamental grasses, which are planted as soloists in a separate flower pot, also need space for their root balls. When it comes to soil, most grasses are fairly undemanding. Potting soil or potting soil, which is available in most garden centers, works well. When planting a balcony box, the same rules apply as when planting a large flower pot. Several holes in the ground prevent waterlogging. A layer of expanded clay or gravel improves water drainage.
Grasses for balcony boxes: It’s all about proper care
When it comes to care, each type of grass or ornamental grass variety has its own requirements that should be taken into account. As a rule, most ornamental grasses are sensitive to frost andneed winter protectionin the months between November and January. A suitable base, a planter made of jute or cold protection fleece, and a coconut protective mat prevent the grass from freezing in severe frost in winter. From November onwards, the blades of grass can also be tied together so that rainwater and snow do not collect on them. In the winter months, only the evergreen species are watered, and only when temperatures are above 1 degree Celsius and it has not rained for at least a week. For all other ornamental grasses, watering can be completely canceled in winter. In spring the soil is fertilized and then the grass is cut back vigorously. Dry or pest-infested root balls and stalks are removed. In summer, the ornamental grasses are watered significantly more often, depending on your own requirements. Here is an overview of gardening in different seasons:
- Caring for grasses in spring: Prune, fertilize and possibly propagate perennial ornamental grasses in spring, i.e. from April. For this purpose, carefully dig up the root balls in spring and divide them into four parts. Then insert the pieces next to each other into the ground.
- Water grass regularly in midsummer. They need to be regularly supplied with water, especially during heat waves. Young plants planted in spring need more water.
- Grasses in late summer and fall: Now is the right time to plant annual ornamental grasses. Perennial plants do not need to be cut back in the fall.
- Grasses in winter: Equip with frost protection at the beginning of winter. Most ornamental grasses can then be left outside in winter without any problems; they can even tolerate sub-zero temperatures if the flower box is covered with protective fleece.
Grasses for flower boxes and flower pots: Low, medium height and spreading types
Depending on how the grasses are presented in flower boxes and flower pots, they are divided into three groups. The first group consists of the low ornamental grasses, which are perfect as gap fillers for balcony boxes. Medium-tall ornamental grasses reach a height of between 20 cm and 60 cm and are suitable as accents in the middle of the flower box. Tall ornamental grasses provide privacy and wind protection for the balcony and can be used either as soloists in the planter box or in ensemblesflowering ground cover plantsbe staged.
Low grasses for balcony boxes: These species come into question
Low grasses are either used to fill gaps in the flower box or as border plants. Varieties whose stalks protrude over the edge and are perfect for border planting include:
Blue Fescue. The ornamental grass has a hemispherical habit, reaches a maximum height of 25 cm and produces small, panicle-shaped yellow flowers at the beginning of summer. The plant is very popular for its blue colored stalks. It requires a 20 to 30 cm planting distance and you can plant up to 17 root balls per square meter. The ornamental grass tolerates heat well and requires well-drained soil. The perfect location is in the sun. Areas of use: in the rock garden, as edge planting for flower boxes on the south-facing balcony.
Bearskin grass is an ornamental grass with a lawn-like growth that reaches a maximum height of 30 cm. The plant has attractive, pointed and very fine fresh green stalks. The flowering period begins in July and lasts 2 months. When planting, a minimum distance of 30 cm should be provided between plants. The grass tolerates strong sun well, but also thrives in partial shade. A permeable and slightly dry soil is an important prerequisite for rapid growth. The perennial ornamental grass can be beautifully showcased with spring and summer flowers.
Medium height grasses for balcony boxes and flower pots
Maidenhair grass reaches a height of 60 cm. The ornamental grass loves sunny locations, but has a high water requirement. The perennial plant was first cultivated in Japan and is considered an exotic plant that finds a place in the bonsai garden. It is not frost-resistant and is overwintered in the greenhouse at temperatures between 0 and 5 degrees. The ornamental grass is used as a side plant in Asia, but due to its delicate stalks it can also be planted as a soloist in a separate flower pot on the balcony.
Feather grass has enjoyed great popularity in recent years. The soft grass has slightly frayed, arched and very fine blades. It reaches a maximum height of 50 cm. A permeable, calcareous soil proves to be perfect for the plant. As for the location, it should be in the sun. The plant is hardy and produces a very attractive fruit display in midsummer.
The feather bristle grass has an upright, bristly growth and reaches a maximum height of 90 cm. It produces brown-red flower clusters. Their stalks turn yellow in autumn. The ornamental grass loves nutrient-rich, slightly sandy soil with a high clay content. A minimum distance of 60 cm between the different plants should be left when planting the flower box. In the balcony box it sets accents and fills gaps; in the flower pot it plays the main role in ensembles with ground cover plants and low perennials.
For beginners, Pennisetum grass looks very similar to feather bristle grass. In fact, both turn golden brown in autumn and form fruit heads. Pennisetum grass is medium tall and reaches a maximum height of 60 cm. It prefers fresh and well-drained soil and thrives best in sunny and shady locations. Its delicate stalks are a real eye-catcher and the reason why many hobby gardeners add the grass as an accent in the flower box.
The palm frond sedge has narrow, white-striped stalks with a dark green edge. It has an attractive overhanging habit. The ornamental grass reaches a maximum height of 70 cm. It prefers humus-rich but slightly dry soil. A sunny or partially shaded location proves to be optimal. The sedge is perfect for the edge of the flower pot or balcony box, but can also be planted on the edge of a mini pond.
Tall grasses as soloists in flower pots and planters
The flat ear grass looks very decorative thanks to its beautiful fruit decoration. It has an upright, bushy habit and reaches a height of up to 100 cm. The plant prefers fresh, humus-rich soil and thrives best on sunny and partially shaded balconies. It is not suitable as a privacy screen, but can add accents in a flower box or plant pot. The ornamental grass is also suitable for cutting in vases.
The sandpipe is a grass with closely spaced, pointed stalks that reaches a maximum height of 150 cm. The perennial plant has tightly upright flower stalks. It prefers fresh but well-drained soil with a high sand content. The semi-shady and shady location promotes plant growth. The sandpipe not only looks good in the balcony box, but is also very attractive as a cut plant.
Properly showcase grasses in the flower box: suitable combination partners
But which are the right combination partners for the ornamental grasses? A contrasting combination, for example, is formed by tall flowers such as the dahlia together with delicate, low ornamental grasses. By the way, low grasses can be easily combined with herbs and Mediterranean plants such as lavender, as well as with flowers with small flowers such as lily of the valley or hyacinths. Medium-sized grasses can also be staged in a variety of ways. They create a harmonious picture with hostas, roses and petunias. Tall grasses are either staged as soloists or they form a great ensemble together with low flowers such as feather carnations.
Here are some possible combination partners for your balcony box:
- Popular combination partners with blue fescue include sun roses, spring carnations or herbs such as lavender and thyme.
- Bearskin grass forms a harmonious overall picture with daffodils, carnations and crocuses.
- Maidenhair grass gives the balcony box structure and forms a successful duo together with meadow buttons, red coneflowers or ornamental onions.
- Feather grass and ball garlic can be easily combined.
- Purple asters go well with feather bristle grass.
- You can pair pennisetum grass with autumn anemones, sedum or noble roses in the flower box.
- Palm fronds, sedge and purple bells form an attractive duo, hostas add diversity to the ensemble.
- Flat ear grass looks good together with scabioses, coneflowers and sedums.
- Sandpipe can be combined with other ornamental grasses and ground cover plants.
There are many ornamental grasses that you can use to add variety and structure to the flower box. They are easy to care for, have a decorative effect and add variety to the balcony garden.
Grasses for flower pots: as a soloist or in an ensemble?
A-Rose Marshmallow and B-Japanese Blood Grass and C-Fire Sage and D-Edelsieschen
Red pennisetum grass together with coleus and miscanthus
