Plumegrass: A Graceful Addition to Your Garden Landscape
If you’re looking to add some wispy, graceful texture to your garden, plumegrass (Dichelachne) might just catch your eye. This perennial grass brings an airy, almost ethereal quality to landscapes with its delicate, feathery plumes that dance in the slightest breeze.
What Is Plumegrass?
Plumegrass is a perennial grass that belongs to the broader family of grasses and grass-like plants. True to its common name, this plant produces distinctive plume-like seed heads that give it an ornamental appeal that’s hard to ignore. While it may look delicate, this grass is surprisingly hardy once established.
Where Does Plumegrass Come From?
Here’s something important to know: plumegrass isn’t native to the United States. Originally from Australia and New Zealand, this grass has made its way to Hawaii, where it now grows and reproduces on its own in the wild. In Hawaii, it’s considered a non-native species that has become naturalized to the landscape.
Should You Plant Plumegrass in Your Garden?
The decision to plant plumegrass really depends on your location and gardening philosophy. Since it’s non-native, some gardeners prefer to stick with indigenous alternatives that better support local ecosystems. However, plumegrass isn’t currently listed as invasive or problematic, so it can be a reasonable choice for certain garden situations.
If you’re in Hawaii or a similar warm climate, you might consider native grass alternatives that provide similar aesthetic benefits while supporting local wildlife. However, if you do choose plumegrass, it can work well in specific garden settings.
What Does Plumegrass Look Like?
Plumegrass creates an elegant, naturalized look in the garden. Its most striking feature is undoubtedly those feathery, plume-like seed heads that appear to float above the foliage. The overall effect is quite graceful and adds wonderful movement and texture to garden beds.
Where Does Plumegrass Thrive?
This grass is well-suited for warmer climates, typically thriving in USDA hardiness zones 8-11. It’s particularly at home in:
- Mediterranean-style gardens
- Coastal landscapes
- Low-water or drought-tolerant gardens
- Mixed perennial borders
- Naturalized areas
Growing Conditions
Plumegrass is relatively easy-going when it comes to growing conditions. Here’s what it prefers:
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-draining soils (it doesn’t like wet feet!)
- Water: Drought tolerant once established, but appreciates regular water during establishment
- Climate: Warm, temperate to subtropical conditions
Planting and Care Tips
Getting plumegrass established in your garden is fairly straightforward:
- Best planting time: Spring, after the last frost
- Initial care: Water regularly for the first growing season to help establish roots
- Ongoing maintenance: Once established, it’s quite drought tolerant
- Annual care: Cut back in late winter or early spring before new growth begins
- Spacing: Give plants adequate space to show off their graceful form
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
As a grass, plumegrass doesn’t offer the nectar and pollen that flowering plants provide to bees and butterflies. However, it may provide nesting materials for some insects and birds. The seed heads could also attract seed-eating birds, though this benefit would be more limited compared to native grass species that local wildlife have evolved alongside.
The Bottom Line
Plumegrass can be an attractive addition to warm-climate gardens, especially if you’re looking for low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants with interesting texture. However, given its non-native status, consider exploring native grass alternatives first – they’ll provide similar aesthetic benefits while better supporting your local ecosystem. If you do choose plumegrass, plant it responsibly and enjoy those beautiful, dancing plumes!
