{"id":7030,"date":"2026-04-28T19:22:50","date_gmt":"2026-04-29T02:22:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wrwofficial.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/28\/tips-for-growing-ornamental-grass-in-containers\/"},"modified":"2026-04-28T19:22:54","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T02:22:54","slug":"tips-for-growing-ornamental-grass-in-containers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wrwofficial.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/28\/tips-for-growing-ornamental-grass-in-containers\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for Growing Ornamental Grass in Containers"},"content":{"rendered":"

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These include true members of the Poaceae family, like silver grass<\/strong><\/a>, plus many similar plants such as bamboo (Asparagaceae)<\/strong><\/a>, sedge (Cyperaceae)<\/strong><\/a>, and rushes (Juncaceae).<\/p>\n

You can learn more about ornamental grasses here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Choosing a Pot<\/h2>\n

The size of container you choose will depend on the type and expected mature size of the plant you wish to grow.<\/p>\n

Pots and planters need to be deep and wide enough to accommodate root growth and foliage spread.<\/p>\n

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When planting single specimens, a loose rule of thumb is to use a container that\u2019s approximately three-quarters of the plants\u2019 expected mature height and spread.<\/p>\n

For example, a pot with a depth and diameter of 12 inches would suit a cultivar with a height and width of around 16 inches.<\/p>\n

For mixed plantings, increase the pot size as needed.<\/p>\n

Pots can be made from materials such as glazed ceramic, plastic, resin, or terra cotta<\/a><\/strong>, and a saucer underneath is recommended to prevent water spilling onto decks and patios.<\/p>\n

Ensure containers have adequate drainage holes to allow water to flow freely and prevent soggy soil.<\/p>\n

Container Prep<\/h2>\n

To create the best growing conditions, avoid using garden soil which can tend to be too dense, compacting in the container and preventing proper drainage, which leads to a soggy, low-oxygen environment.<\/p>\n

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Photo by Lorna Kring.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

To mix your own potting medium, combine equal parts compost, topsoil, and a moisture retentive material such as coconut coir<\/a><\/strong>, peat moss<\/a><\/strong>, perlite, or vermiculite.<\/p>\n

These materials hold moisture without becoming compacted or oversaturated.<\/p>\n

To ensure the soil is well-draining, mix in some grit like granite chips or landscape sand.<\/p>\n

Use about two cups of grit for a 12-by-12-inch pot, adding another half cup of grit for each two-inch increase in size.<\/p>\n

Alternatively, you can use a well-draining commercial potting mix, like Tank\u2019s-Pro Coco Potting Mix, available from Arbico Organics<\/a><\/strong> in 1.5 cubic feet bags.<\/p>\n

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\"A\"A<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Tank\u2019s-Pro Coco Potting Mix<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

This product contains organic compost and coconut coir.<\/p>\n

Before planting, add in some bone meal<\/a><\/strong> to promote healthy root growth, according to package instructions.<\/p>\n

Planting<\/h2>\n

Spring and fall are the best times for planting most ornamental grasses.<\/p>\n

However, fall plantings should be done early enough to ensure roots are well-established before freezing weather arrives \u2013 about eight weeks before the first frost date.<\/p>\n

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\"A\"A<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Use small, medium, or large varieties as single specimens in pots, and small- to medium-sized ones for mixed plantings to add color, height, and texture.<\/p>\n

In mixed plantings, add grasses to the back or center as a backdrop or focal point, filling the remaining space with annuals or perennials.<\/p>\n

Make sure you always choose filler plants that have the same growing requirements, in terms of light and water.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n