Ornamental grasses aren’t just pretty accents for your flower beds; they’re also fantastic for creating a natural privacy screen around your property. However, because you need some serious height to block out the neighbors, only certain types of grass are up for the job.
Not a Year-Round Solution
One thing to keep in mind: ornamental grasses aren’t a permanent, year-round shield. To keep them healthy, you’ll need to give them a good pruning once a year. Since we usually cut them back in February or March (rather than the fall), your yard will be a bit more exposed during the spring and early summer while the new shoots are catching up.
The Best Varieties for Privacy
Not every grass is cut out for privacy duty. If you want to keep prying eyes out, you’ll need varieties that reach at least five feet (1.5 meters) tall. Here are my top picks:
- Maiden Grass (Miscanthus)
- Clumping Bamboo (Fargesia)
- Giant Sedge
- Pampas Grass
- Giant Reed
Maiden Grass: The Heavy Hitter
If you’re looking for serious height, Maiden Grass (Miscanthus) is your best friend. Some varieties can tower up to ten feet tall—high enough to block out even a passing truck! If you want maximum coverage, look for these giants:
- ‘Malepartus’: ~6.5 feet (200 cm)
- ‘Silberfeder’: ~7 feet (220 cm)
- ‘Aksel Olsen’: ~10 feet (300 cm)
- ‘Silberturm’: ~10 feet (300 cm)
Finding the Perfect Spot
To get that lush, thick screen you’re after, your grasses need to be happy. That starts with planting them in the right spot. While different species have their own quirks, most ornamental grasses are prairie natives at heart—meaning they crave plenty of sunlight.
You’ll also want well-draining soil, as most of these guys hate having “wet feet” (standing water). Finally, try to pick a spot that’s somewhat sheltered from the wind. Those tall, elegant stalks are beautiful, but they can snap if they’re caught in a nasty storm without a windbreak!
