What makes a good specimen grass
A specimen is a plant that holds attention by itself. For grasses, that usually means a strong, well-defined shape, size or color, and a long season of interest. Good candidates have a tidy habit, flower or plume display and some winter presence. They should also be a reasonable match for the site, since a specimen is judged more harshly than plants in a mass.
Placement
- Put it where it will be seen: at a path turn, the end of a view, beside a gate or in the middle of an island bed.
- Give it room so it develops its natural form without crowding.
- Use a backdrop. A plain wall, dark evergreen hedge or fence shows off airy plumes and light foliage.
- Backlighting from the setting sun makes plumes glow, so consider light direction.
- Repeat the specimen once or twice at a distance for a sense of rhythm, or let a single plant stand alone for a quieter feel.
Picks for sun
- Miscanthus sinensis cultivars: among the most recognizable grasses (see how they compare with fountain grass in Miscanthus vs Pennisetum). ‘Morning Light’ (about 4 feet, up to 6 with blooms) has narrow, white-edged foliage, and ‘Gracillimus’ forms an elegant vase to about 6 feet. ‘Zebrinus’ is banded in yellow and can reach 7 feet or more. Some Miscanthus self-seeds in warm, moist areas, so check local advice.
- Fountain grasses (Pennisetum): arching, fountain-shaped clumps with bottlebrush plumes. Mahoney’s Garden Center describes them as charming specimens. ‘Hameln’ is compact, while taller types suit larger spaces.
- Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) such as ‘Heavy Metal’ or ‘Northwind’: upright, structural and good in groups or alone.
- Feather reed grass ‘Karl Foerster’: a narrow vertical accent that works in tight spaces. See tall grasses for privacy.
- Pink muhly (warmer zones): a cloud of pink plumes in fall. See fall ornamental grasses.
- Blue oat grass: a rounded blue mound that suits a smaller focal spot.
Picks for shade
- Hakone grass: cascading, waterfall-like form that gives the impression of motion even in still air. Golden forms light up shade.
- Large sedges: bold clumps in part shade. See the best carex varieties for shade.
Pairing and backdrops
Surround a specimen with lower, quieter plants so it is not competing for attention. Fine-textured grasses contrast well with bold leaves, and many specimen grasses look best against evergreen shrubs. See landscaping with ornamental grasses and pairing ornamental grasses with flowering shrubs. A large container can also serve as a focal point; see growing ornamental grasses in containers.
Caring for a specimen
- Water through the first season and keep competing weeds away.
- Cut to a few inches in late winter or early spring so the new growth looks fresh.
- Divide when the center dies out, usually after several years.
- Stake rarely. If a grass flops, it may be getting too much water, fertilizer or shade; see why ornamental grasses flop over.