Most will go dormant during the winter. You can cut them down low to the ground, and they will vigorously grow back during spring. These grasses are also great for mild winter areas. You just need to trim down during the cool seasonal months. Winter time is great for splitting these grasses in half. Yes you can actually take them out of the ground and using a sharp knife split them down the middle. You will know have 2 grass clumps that can be planted elsewhere. Below are some ornamental grasses that will do well in most southwestern states. Pampas Grass or Cortalderia selloana. This is a fast growing exotic ornamental grass. Usually evergreen in warmer climates. Normal variety grows to about 10ft high and 20ft wide. Should be planted in groups. Has showy spike flower plumes and razor edged leaves (ouch)! Dwarf variety available at your local nursery. Likes full sun and very drought tolerant. Grows best at about 6500 ft. elevation. Fountain Grass or Pennisetum spp. Most grow about 3ft. tall and about 5ft. wide. Purple fountain grass or Pennisetum alopecuroides is a favorite among southwestern New Mexicans. Nice feathery plumes in the fall. They all like full sun, and good fertilized type of soil. Attractive natural purple color great for any type of landscaping. This type of grass loves the lower elevations of the southwest. See photos of Ornamental grasses Blue Fescue or Festuca caesia. Nice mounding exotic pale blue grass with ornamental flowers. Can be used as a ground cover. Loves colder climates but will tolerate drought conditions. Likes full sun and or shade. This ornamental grass grows to about 1ft. tall and wide and stays green year round. Ask your local nursery for more advice. Do not confuse with Fescue lawn grass. Horsetail grass, Indian grass, Horsetail grass, Feather grass, Mexican feather grass, and Sedge grass. These ornamental grasses are excellent as low water plants. Many stay green year round. Call your local nursery for more advice.
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