Three ornamental native Utah grasses to plant in fall - Axios Salt Lake CityLog InLog InAxios Salt Lake City is an Axios company.

Three ornamental native Utah kinds of grass to plant in the fall

Blue Grama grass flutters in the morning sun at the Conservation Garden Park in West Jordan. Photo: Erin Alberty/Axios Erin here! With summer getting longer and fall getting hotter, it might be time to rethink when "gardening season" actually occurs.In my experience, hardy ornamental grasses and shrubs do well when I plant them in October — and even into November. They establish fine when it's not too hot, and then they get winter precipitation early in their growth. Many nurseries focus on non-native grasses, but some amazing bunch grasses are native to Utah. A Blue Gramma seedhead catches the sun. Photo: Erin Alberty/Axios 1. Blue Grama The eyelash-looking seed heads flutter sideways like little flags, catching low rays of the sun in a dramatic display. Size: Mine are 12–18 inches wide and 18–24 inches tall, but some cultivars reportedly grow to 3 feet wide and tall.Little Bluestem appears at the far right, turning pink as fall sets in. Photo: Erin Alberty/Axios 2. Little bluestem In summer it's a serviceable green bunchgrass. In fall it's on fire as its blades turn purple, pink and red. Size: 18-24 inches tall, 12 inches wide.Alkali Sacaton seedheads rise behind the yellow and brown flowers of a Mexican Hat. Photo: Erin Alberty/Axios 3. Alkali Sacaton Seedheads rise in creamy plumes off this plant in late summer, softening the often sharp texture of other arid-climate plants.This can be hard to find for sale, but some nurseries can order it. Size: 2–3 feet wide and 3 feet tall. Get more local stories in your inbox with .Subscribe Support local journalism by becoming a member.

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