Bear Grass: Big & Bold (but not a “grass”)
Bear grass is a big, bold grass-like succulent that makes a statement in any garden. It’s as tough as it is beautiful. Here’s everything you need to know about planting … Read more
Desert Grasses
Ornamental grasses make an outstanding addition to any desert landscape. They add movement, softness, and year round visual interest. They attract birds and butterflies, use little water, and require minimal care.
We’ve also included a few “grass-like” succulents here. These plants are not technically grasses but look similar and are equally attractive, resilient, and versatile. We don’t want you to miss out on any of these wonderful landscape plants just because they aren’t true grasses.
Here at Southwest Gardener, you’ll find in-depth information to help you choose and care for the best grasses and grass-like plants for your desert garden.
Bamboo Muhly: Bamboo-Like Native Grass
Bamboo muhly looks like a small, lacy bamboo, but this elegant plant is actually a desert-hardy ornamental grass. Here’s how to grow and care for this unusual Arizona native. Bamboo … Read more
Sideoats Grama: Compact, Hardy Native Grass
Sideoats grama is an underused ornamental grass that makes a graceful, understated landscape plant. It’s extremely low maintenance and attracts birds and butterflies. Here’s how to grow this native grass. … Read more
Big Muhly: Dramatic Texas Native
Big muhly is a suitably named ornamental grass. This dramatic member of the muhly grasses can make a big statement in desert landscapes. Here’s how to grow and care for … Read more
Bull Grass: Top Performing Ornamental
Bull grass is a top-performing, but little-known, ornamental grass with a bevy of attributes. It’s a desert native that’s compact, has a long bloom season, is nearly maintenance-free, and doesn’t … Read more
Purple Fountain Grass: Sterile or Invasive?
It’s a well-established fact that fountain grass is invasive in the desert. Purple fountain grass is often recommended as a “sterile” variety that can be planted safely instead. But is … Read more
Mexican Feather Grass: Delicate but Aggressive
Mexican feather grass is an unusually delicate, airy desert plant, but don’t let its appearance fool you. It’s surprisingly tough and reseeds aggressively. Here’s how to grow this desert native. … Read more
Deer Grass: Outstanding Native Ornamental
Deer grass is a southwest native that makes an outstanding landscape plant. Once established, it can survive with no irrigation. Here’s how to grow this resilient ornamental grass. Deer grass … Read more
Pink Muhly: Dazzling Ornamental Grass
Pink muhly is an ornamental grass with dramatic pink plumes. It thrives in the southwest despite being native to the Eastern US. Here’s how to grow this gorgeous, adaptable plant. … Read more
Hesperaloe: High Impact Accent Plant
Hesperaloe is an attractive, unarmed, accent plant that sends up dramatic stalks of coral flowers that hummingbirds love. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this … Read more
Desert Spoon: Impactful Specimen Plant
Desert spoon is an architecturally interesting, maintenance-free plant that makes an impactful specimen. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this Sonoran Desert native. Desert spoon … Read more
Mexican Grass Tree: Spectacular Accent Plant
Mexican grass tree is a stunning specimen plant that will be the showpiece of your garden. And it’s as tough as it is beautiful. Here’s everything you need to know … Read more