Potted ornamental grasses are a total game-changer for your balcony. Whether they’re lining a railing or tucked into a corner, they add amazing texture and a lush, green vibe to your outdoor space. But to keep them looking their best, it’s not just about the TLC you give them—it’s about picking the right varieties from the start.
Stick to Dwarf Varieties
Some ornamental grasses, like Giant Sedge or Pampas Grass, can tower up to ten feet tall. Obviously, those aren’t going to work in a container on a standard balcony! Even mid-sized grasses can get a bit too unruly for small spaces. Instead, you’ll want to look for compact, low-growing varieties that stay manageable. Some of my favorites for pots include:
- Dwarf Bamboo
- Soft Rush
- Fountain Grass
- Japanese Forest Grass
- Fescue
Keep the Water Coming
If you want your balcony grasses to thrive, you’ve got to stay on top of their hydration. Most grasses love soil that stays consistently moist. The trick is to avoid “wet feet”—standing water can lead to root rot pretty quickly. It’s less about drenching them once in a while and more about watering them regularly. Also, a quick pro-tip: grasses can be a bit picky about water quality. They usually prefer “stale” tap water that’s been sitting out for a bit, or even better, rainwater. Basically, the lower the lime content, the happier your plants will be.
Feeding and Pruning Tips
When it comes to fertilizing, you can actually be pretty stingy! Ornamental grasses aren’t heavy feeders. Usually, just adding a bit of liquid fertilizer to your watering can once a month is plenty. If you’re the type who repots your grasses with fresh soil every year, you can probably skip the fertilizer altogether.
As for pruning, timing is everything, and it depends on where your pots spend the winter. If your containers are tucked right against the house where they stay dry and protected from the elements, you can go ahead and trim them back in the fall. However, if your plants are out in the open, facing the wind and rain, it’s better to wait until spring to pick up the shears.
