What Are the Different Types of Basket Grass Plant?

Basket grass, also known as Oplismenus hirtellus, refers to a group of low-growing perennial grasses commonly used as groundcovers and in hanging baskets. With their graceful foliage and versatile growing habits, basket grasses add greenery and texture to gardens and containers. Let’s explore some of the most popular basket grass varieties.

Variegated Basket Grass

Variegated basket grass features green and white striped leaves that create a striking visual effect. The variegated foliage brightens shady areas and helps lighten up mixed containers. This variety thrives in partial shade and evenly moist, well-draining soil. Be sure to water variegated basket grass regularly to maintain moist soil. Prune off any dead or damaged leaves to keep it looking tidy.

Golden Basket Grass

As the name suggests, golden basket grass has attractive golden-yellow blades. This variety illuminates the garden with its vibrant pop of color. It does best in partial shade to full sun. Golden basket grass prefers moist soil but can handle some drought once established. Regular pruning encourages dense growth. This easy-care grass makes a big impact in borders and planters.

Dwarf Basket Grass

Dwarf basket grass is a compact variety perfect for small spaces. It forms tidy dense mounds of fine-textured foliage. With a maximum height of 5-8 inches it works nicely as edging along walks or spilling over container edges. Dwarf basket grass thrives in partial shade with regular irrigation. Its petite size also makes it ideal for accenting fairy gardens.

Silver Basket Grass

Silver basket grass features elegant, arching gray-green leaves with a subtle metallic sheen. Its soft color provides a nice contrast to flowers and other plants with darker foliage. Silver basket grass does best in partial sun and moist, well-draining soil amended with organic matter. It benefits from occasional fertilization to look its best. Remove spent foliage in late winter to encourage fresh spring growth.

Japanese Forest Grass

While not technically a true basket grass, Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra) shares a similar cascading habit. Its slender blades emerge in shades of green, gold, and variegated forms. Japanese forest grass thrives in part to full shade. It spreads slowly to form a graceful, flowing mound. Regular watering is important for Japanese forest grass. Use it to mimic the texture of bamboo in shady garden beds and borders.

Evergreen Basket Grass

Evergreen basket grasses retain their foliage year-round in mild winter climates. Common evergreen varieties include Lomandra longifolia ‘Breeze’ and Lomandra confertifolia ‘Seascape’. They tolerate drought, poor soil, and salt spray. Evergreen basket grasses work well in coastal gardens, rock gardens, and other challenging sites once established. Their stiff, grassy leaves provide permanent structure.

Clump-Forming Basket Grasses

Many basket grasses grow in a clump form, including carex, lilyturf, and ornamental oat grass. Their stiff foliage originates from the base in a vase or fountain shape. They work well as specimens and mass plantings. Prune clumpers back before new growth emerges in spring. Divide overcrowded clumps every few years. Some clumping varieties tolerate wet soil.

Running Basket Grasses

Running basket grasses spread via aboveground stolons or rhizomes to form wide patches. Liriope and mondo grass are common spreading basket grasses. They quickly fill in blank areas and control erosion on slopes. However, running basket grasses can become invasive in ideal conditions. Regular mowing or pruning helps contain them. Use physical edging barriers to prevent unwanted spread into lawns and flower beds.

How to Care for Basket Grass

• Light – Most basket grasses grow best in partial to full sun Variegated and golden varieties need partial shade

• Water – Keep soil evenly moist, watering 1-2 times per week Reduce watering for drought-tolerant varieties

• Soil – Well-draining soil enriched with compost or peat moss.

• Fertilizer – Apply a balanced flower fertilizer in spring and midsummer.

• Pruning – Trim off old foliage and shape plants in late winter or early spring.

• Hardiness – Select cold-hardy varieties like carex for colder climates. Mulch to protect roots in winter.

With their fine-textured foliage and versatility, it’s easy to find a basket grass to suit your specific needs. Try combining different varieties for multi-season interest. Proper selection and care will keep your basket grasses looking their best.