20 grasses for your grassland garden

South Africa is home to over 24000 plant species across nine different recognised biomes. The grassland biome is one of the largest, second only to that of Fynbos in terms of plant species diversity, and extends from the Eastern Cape northwards through to Gauteng, the North West and Mpumalanga. It is characterised by the scarcity of large shrubs and trees - kept in check by fires, frost and browsing - and the diversity of forbs (non-grass species), particularly bulbs. Grasses (Poaceae family) form the dominant layer of a grassland, and are vital for the protection of topsoil, food for herbivores and seed-eating birds, and habitat for insects, spiders, birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles.

For the purposes of a garden, grasses add texture, colour, motion, habitat and food for wildlife, as well as helping to stabilise soil and prevent erosion. They can be interspersed amongst perennials, used as groundcovers, planted on embankments or in rockeries, or they can form the main structure of a grassland garden. Many are host plants for butterflies and moths, and quite a few provide nesting material and seed for birds. As indigenous landscapers - and custodians of a grassland in the Cradle of Humankind - we've had the pleasure of not only living in a grassland and experiencing the diversity of this biome, but also the opportunity to recreate this habitat in our client's homes. We've also had the opportunity to visit other grassland gardens to see what works, or to hear what concerns home owners might have.

One concern some people have about grassland gardens is that the grasses are too tall, thereby limiting their view of the garden, or their appreciation of other perennials that might be planted in between. Home owners (and their neighbours) are also generally averse to untidiness, and there is sometimes a risk that a tall, mixed grassland might be perceived as a bit of a 'mess', no matter how much wildlife it may actually support. Mixed grasslands can also be difficult to maintain if you're not sure which species are meant to be there and which are weeds, or if some species dominate and take over. This is perhaps why many grassland gardens end up being monocultures (one species), because it looks neat and uniform and is easy to maintain (anything that is not that particular species can be removed). And such gardens are certainly preferred to lawns if you're wanting to bring variety to your home and lower your water and maintenance costs. But a mixed grassland can be an even more beautiful space - a diversity hotspot that brings additional colour and texture, attracts more insects and birds, and helps in a small way to support our country's flora and fauna. Ultimately, that is why we enjoy our own small patch of grassland and why we walk it every day - to experience the diversity of plants and animals that call it home.

Cyanotis speciosa, one of many forbs (non-grass species) that add significantly to the biodiversity of our grasslands

So how does one create a grassland garden that brings all of this together: one that is easy to maintain, looks good, and has diversity of plant and animal life?

Let's briefly discuss some guidelines:

Experiment with smaller species for small spaces

In the past, the availability of indigenous grasses for gardens was limited - often only tall or robust fodder species were available. But this is changing as more nurseries stock a variety of species better suited to small spaces. If you have a small garden, try experimenting with smaller grass species, and use the larger species as accent plants or for screening. See our list below for some options.

Eragrostis racemosa, a short species ideally suited to short-medium height grassland gardens

Develop your grassland over time

If you are going to create a grassland garden, know that you don't have to do it all in one go. Although soil disturbance should be kept to a minimum, most great gardens develop over time, as the plants mature and wildlife finds a new home, so when creating a grassland experiment with a selection of species - preferably those with similar height and growth characteristics - and then add to them as the garden matures. Not only will this help you learn the species and their characteristics, but it will also help you maintain the space and bring you more enjoyment as you slowly develop the garden. Additionally, some plants may not be available at nurseries at the time of planting, either because of the season, because stock has sold out, or because they are difficult to propagate, so by developing the garden over time you can add other species later when they become available.

Choose locally indigenous grasses

As far as possible, it is best to use locally indigenous grasses in your grassland garden. Not only are these species adapted to your climate and perhaps your soil conditions, but they might also attract the locally indigenous insects that feed on them (e.g. moth and butterfly larvae), thereby increasing the biodiversity of your garden. There is also a risk that non-native species might escape your garden and invade surrounding natural habitats - in time compromising those areas - so where possible it is always best to use locally indigenous species.

Aloe greatheadii growing amongst Sporobolus stapfianus, in undisturbed grassland on the highveld

Use tufted species for small spaces

Tufted grasses are those that hold their shape, whilst creeping species spread via stolons or long rhizomes. Creeping species are therefore useful for lawns or steep slopes where quick soil stabilisation is required. But for the purposes of a grassland garden, tufted species are preferred, as these hold their shape and help to maintain the structure of the garden, ensuring your garden is not overrun by spreading plants.

Work with your existing site conditions

There are many additives and amendments one can make to one's garden soil, which enables you to grow almost anything. But if you are going to create a locally indigenous grassland garden then it is best to keep soil amendments to a minimum, and rather work with your existing site conditions. Not only will this save you costs, but it might also create a more resilient garden where other plants struggle to root. Locally indigenous highveld grasses are exceptionally hardy, often surviving inhospitable conditions such as cracked paving, road verges and abandoned properties, so rather than trying to enhance your soil or site conditions, experiment with different species to see what works in your current situation. In terms of watering, irrigation too is usually unnecessary once the plants have established, so use it sparingly to get your grassland established and thereafter reduce watering or turn the system off.

Avoid pesticides or herbicides

If you are going to create a grassland to support insects and other wildlife, then avoid using pesticides or herbicides in your garden. The goal is to create a healthy ecosystem, where insect 'pests' are kept in check by predatory insects, spiders and birds, and where weeds are manually removed. Using pesticides or herbicides upsets the balance of nature, so if you have a plant that is struggling in your garden, rather leave it to 'work the problem out', or replace it with a different species.

Include a mix of indigenous forbs

Grasses form the foundation of a grassland, but a healthy grassland has an abundance of non-grass species (forbs) which add significantly to the diversity of the biome. Flowering forbs attract an incredible array of insect pollinators and their predators to the garden, as well as bringing seasonal colour to your home, so once you have selected your grasses try to incorporate as many native non-grass species as possible. These could include crassulas, kalanchoes, aloes, hypoxis, eucomis, gladiolus, helichrysum or senecio - amongst many others. The higher the diversity of species the better. For a comprehensive list of species, search for books or literature on wildflowers native to your area, or visit an indigenous nursery.

Eucomis autumnalis, a wonderful addition to a grassland garden

Grassland gardens are low maintenance, but not zero maintenance

A well-planned grassland garden will be resilient and low maintenance, but it is not zero maintenance. In nature, our grasslands are kept in check by fires, wind, frost and drought, as well as by foraging animals. In our gardens however, many of these elements are missing, so whilst a grassland garden will be low maintenance, it must still be managed to ensure that it is not overrun by dominant species, or plants you don't want. Alien invasives, for example, are likely to take root at some point in your garden - brought in by birds or on the wind from neighbouring properties - so monitoring and removal of these will always be required.

A young pompom weed (circled in red) is an alien invasive to our grasslands - see our article here. Monitoring and removal of weeds and invasive species from your grassland garden will always be required

Make your grassland accessible and engaging

Try to make your grassland garden accessible and engaging for both yourself and your visitors (humans, pets and wildlife), by including pathways, seating areas, rocks, logs and perhaps a bird bath or water feature. A dry riverbed meandering through the garden can also be useful and beautiful, allowing you to experiment with a different variety of species. It is also worth keeping a list of the plants and animals in your garden, particularly insects and birds, and especially butterfly or moth larvae that might feed on the plants, as this will add to your enjoyment of the space.

A grassland garden with gravel pathways, rocks and a bench for seating

Lastly, there is no right or wrong way to design and install a grassland garden - the simplest method would be to simply sow indigenous grass seed and let it grow. Our goal is not to limit your creativity or selection of species, but rather to get you started on your grassland journey so that you can enjoy the diversity that comes with this habitat.

With that said, here is a list of some of our favourite grasses for grassland gardens (on the highveld):

Eragrostis racemosa (Narrow-heart love grass)

There are many Eragrostis species in South Africa, but E. racemosa is one of the shortest, and is an excellent choice for small gardens. In the wild it often grows amongst taller grasses where it helps protect the soil. In a garden it is versatile, and can be used as a feature grass in a rockery, mass planted for effect, or interplanted amongst taller species for coverage of the ground.

Sporobolus stapfianus (Fibrous dropseed)

This very small, beautiful, tufted species is excellent for small grassland gardens or small sunny spaces. In the grassland biome it is predominantly found on shallow rock plates or in rock hollows where water collects - spaces where taller species struggle to root. In this respect Fibrous dropseed is versatile and hardy, handling both overwatering and drought (even though it sometimes looks like it is dead), and could be used as a replacement in sunny areas for exotics such as Ophiopogon (Mondo grass).

Eragrostis chloromelas (Narrow curly leaf)

This Eragrostis species is an ideal shorter replacement for the larger and more commonly used E. curvula. It is hardy and will help establish a short-medium height grassland where other species may struggle. It is about 30-50% shorter than E. curvula, but is variable, and hybrids between the two species do occur. Typical forms of E. chloromelas have a distinctive curly leaf when dry, which helps distinguish it from other species. It can be mass planted for effect, or interplanted in a mixed grassland for structure and stability.

Melinis nerviglumis (Bristle-leaved red top)

Bristle-leaved red top is one of our most beautiful grass species, and is a popular landscaping plant. The inflorescence is a pinkish spike, which turns white later in the season, which creates a stunning display if mass-planted. Melinis nerviglumis is hardy and readily self-seeds, so is valuable for quickly establishing a grassland garden. Mass-plant it for effect, or use it as one of the species in a mixed grassland. Birds use the fluffy seed for food and nesting material, and the inflorescence can be used to great effect in a cut-flower display. M. nerviglumis is related to Melinis repens and the two are sometimes confused, but M. nerviglumis has a more compact form, and is a perennial.

Eragrostis capensis (Heart-seed love grass)

Heart-seed love grass is another species much loved by birds, and has beautiful, subtly showy inflorescence during the flowering season. It is found in moist grasslands, so might be better suited to damp, sunny areas of the garden, although we have found it equally at home in relatively dry spots that receive occasional moisture. A beautiful addition to a small mixed grassland.

Eustachys paspaloides (Brown Rhodes grass)

This short species has greyish foliage, and is ideal for shallow ground or to complement a short grassland. The inflorescence is a beautiful dark brown digitate that adds texture and motion to the garden when in flower.

Digitaria monodactyla (One-finger grass)

This relatively short species has a 'pincushion-type' inflorescence, and although not as colourful or showy as other grasses, is ideal for interplanting between grasses or forbs, which adds diversity and helps to protect the soil.

Monocymbium ceresiiforme (Boat grass)

Boat grass is one of our most beautiful species, the brown inflorescence adding texture and colour to the garden. Interplant it between similar sized species such as Melinis nerviglumis, or (if you can find stock) mass plant it for an incredible display. This however is one species that is difficult to propagate, and as of writing is not readily available in nurseries, but if you do happen to find some then it is a worthwhile addition to any grassland garden.

Microchloa afra (Pincushion grass)

This very small, tufted species is similar to Sporobolus stapfianus, and the two are often found growing together on rock plates in the veld. Pincushion grass has a unique inflorescence - relatively tall spikes which protrude from the plant during the flowering season, giving the plant its name. It can be planted in shallow, sunny spots on its own or alongside Sporobolus stapfianus, or mass-planted as a ground cover for effect.

Bewsia biflora (False love grass)

A relatively little-known and underutilised species, False love grass has subtly pink inflorescences, and is relatively easy to propagate. Use it amongst other grasses and forbs for diversity in the grassland.

Aristida junciformis (Ngongoni three-awn)

This is one of the most popular landscaping grasses, and with good reason. Ngongoni three-awn is very hardy, and can grow in sunny areas, semi-shade, waterlogged or overwatered areas, and can handle extended periods of drought. It looks beautiful mass-planted, especially if interplanted with accent plants such as large aloes. We use it for mixed borders or as part of a mixed grassland, where a few specimens scattered here and there add texture and variety to the garden.

Melinis repens (Natal red top)

Another popular and versatile species, and a favourite amongst home owners, landscapers and nurseries - it is also the commonly seen 'pink-white' flowering grass growing along our road verges. It is related to Melinis nerviglumis - and the two species are sometimes confused - but M. repens has a broader leaf, tends to be 'bushier' when mature, and is a fast-growing pioneer that can quickly colonise an area where other grasses may struggle. It is however short-lived, with the plants only lasting a season or two before self-propagating via seed. The beautiful fluffy flower heads are favoured by birds for food and nesting material.

Setaria sphacelata var. sphacelata (Common bristle grass)

Setaria species are much loved by seed-eating birds, and S. sphacelata var. sphacelata is no exception. Shorter than S. var. sericea (another useful species for large spaces), S. var. sphacelata can be interplanted with other grasses of a similar height for additional diversity in a mixed grassland.

Perotis patens (Cat's tail)

This beautiful, relatively small grass species is a short-lived pioneer, and is useful to stabilise soil or to fill empty spaces in your garden. It has a shallow root system and can grow in difficult areas where other plants may struggle to root. It is a wonderful addition to a grassland, though it may be difficult to find in nurseries, and is best established by sowing seed.

Brachiara serrata (Velvet signal grass)

Velvet signal grass is a common but underutilised species that has great potential in grassland gardens. The height as well as the inflorescence is similar Melinis nerviglumis, however the foliage tends to be a bit more 'bushy'. Use it in a mixed grassland where it will add diversity to the space.

Pogonarthria squarrosa (Herringbone grass)

This sub-climax species is excellent for quick coverage, or for interplanting amongst perennial grasses where it helps to stabilise the soil. Although it does not have a deep root system, Herringbone grass propagates easily from seed, so by sowing seed one can get quick and cost-effective coverage in difficult spaces.

Heteropogon contortus (Spear grass)

One of our most widespread species, and a common sight in our grassland and savanna biomes, where the awns characteristically cluster together near the end of the season. Spear grass is a relatively short and hardy addition to a mixed grassland, but as the name suggests the awns can penetrate clothing and cause skin irritation, so if this is a concern consider using it in areas with lower human/pet traffic.

Andropogon eucomis (Snowflake grass)

Snowflake grass is one of our most beautiful species, the fluffy seed heads creating a wonderful display in summer, especially if mass-planted. Although it will survive drought it prefers moist, sunny conditions, so consider using it as part of a moist grassland, on the margins of a wetland, in a dry riverbed that may get seasonal flow of water, or in areas around your home where additional water collects (e.g. drainage pipes etc.).

Aristida congesta (Spreading/Tassel three awn)

This is a useful and underutilised species that is a worthwhile addition to your mixed grassland. It is relatively short, with pale inflorescence which help to brighten up the space. It is also a pioneer/sub-climax species, so can help fill empty spaces in your grassland and protect the soil. There are two subspecies, A. congesta subsp. barbicollis, with an open panicle, and A. congesta subsp. congesta with a contracted panicle.

Panicum natalense (Natal panicum)

This is another beautiful species that is underutilised in gardens, but is well worth adding to a mixed grassland. The plant has blue-green foliage during the growing season, which dries to beige in winter, allowing you experiment with different foliage colours and contrasts through the seasons.

Some more species to consider for a short-medium height mixed grassland - check with your local nursery to see what is available

Aristida aequiglumis
Loudetia simplex
Elionurus muticus
Eragrostis gummiflua
Digitaria tricholaenoides
Alloteropsis semialata
Setaria sphacelata var. torta
Urochloa mosambicensis
Trichoneura grandiglumis
Eragrostis patentipilosa

Taller grasses for a tall mixed grassland, as accent plants, or for screening (e.g. boundary walls):

Themeda triandra
Eragrostis curvula
Sporobolus africanus
Setaria sphacelata var. sericea
Setaria nigrirostris
Cymbopogon spp.
Digitaria eriantha
Cenchrus ciliaris
Eragrostis plana
Setaria megaphylla
Panicum maximum
Urelytrum agropyroides
Tristachya rehmannii
Diheteropogon amplectens
Hypharrhenia hirta
Schizachyrium sanguineum
Trachypogon spicatus