Three ornamental native Utah grass varieties to plant in the fall
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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.
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.
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.
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.