Ornamental Grasses for South Louisiana: Beauty, Movement & Easy Care

Summer is the perfect time to add ornamental grasses to your landscape — they bring soft movement, texture, and year-round interest with minimal fuss. At Cane Row Nursery in Broussard, we just stocked fresh 1-gallon containers of some fantastic varieties that thrive in our hot, humid Acadiana climate.

Whether you need height for screening, low-maintenance borders, or drought-tolerant accents, these grasses deliver. Here are our new arrivals and how to use them beautifully in your garden:

Featured Ornamental Grasses Now in Stock

• Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum') — Elegant, arching burgundy-purple foliage with fluffy pinkish-purple seed heads that sway in the breeze. Grows 3–4 feet tall. Stunning as a focal point in containers or massed in beds.
• Adagio Dwarf Japanese Silver Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Adagio') — Compact and refined, with silvery plumes that emerge in late summer. Reaches just 3–4 feet, making it ideal for smaller spaces. The narrow leaves turn golden-orange in fall for extended seasonal color.
• Heavy Metal Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal') — Upright, steel-blue foliage that stands tall (4–5 feet) and offers strong vertical structure. Pink-tinged seed heads appear in summer, followed by golden fall color. Extremely tough and native-adapted.
• Flame Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Flame') — Named for its fiery red-orange fall foliage. Green summer leaves give way to vibrant autumn color, with silvery plumes for added interest. Grows 4–5 feet and brings bold seasonal drama.

Ways to Use Ornamental Grasses in Your Landscape

These grasses are incredibly versatile and perfect for south Louisiana gardens:

• Privacy & Screening — Plant Heavy Metal or Flame Grass in rows for a soft, natural screen along fences or property lines.
• Borders & Pathways — Use the dwarf Adagio for neat, low edging or front-of-border accents.
• Containers & Patios — Purple Fountain Grass shines in pots — pair it with bright flowers for instant drama.
• Mass Plantings & Meadows — Group several of the same variety for big impact and easy maintenance.
• Pollinator & Wildlife Support — The seed heads provide food for birds, and the foliage offers cover. They’re also deer-resistant in most cases.
• Xeriscaping & Low Water Areas — Once established, these are drought-tolerant and handle our heat and occasional dry spells well.

Planting Tips for Success in Zone 9:

• Full sun (at least 6 hours) for best color and growth.
• Well-draining soil amended with compost. They tolerate a range of soils, including heavier clay common in our area.
• Water regularly the first season to establish roots; then they become quite low-maintenance.
• Cut back to the ground in late winter before new growth emerges.
• Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

These ornamental grasses add elegance and movement that lasts well into fall and winter, making them a smart long-term investment for your landscape.

Stop by Cane Row Nursery to pick up these fresh 1-gallon grasses while supplies last! We can help you plan the perfect spots for them in your yard.

What’s your favorite way to use ornamental grasses? Share in the comments or tag us with your garden photos!