I am looking for small compact grass plants that grow about a foot tall or less and with a minimum spread.?

Question

These plants will be for a flower bed in front of existing bushes. I would prefer if these plants would have a restrictive spread so that thining is not required.

Answer 1

"The first question to ask about a grass: is it rhizomatous (spreading by underground stems) or clump forming? Rhizomatous types make excellent ground covers, erosion control plants, and dense cover plantings that resist the invasion of weeds. The rhizomatous types spread at different rates laterally, some as much as twelve or more feet a year, and may be invasive. The clump formers simply increase in circumference, requiring division every three or four years. Distinguishing between the two types and locating them in proper sites will prevent a great deal of difficulties in managing the garden, and results in great satisfaction from this very desirable group of plants." (http://www.uri.edu/ce/factsheets/sheets/orngrasses.html)

Here is a list of grasses and their descriptions that may help:
http://www.beesonsnursery.com/OrnamentalGrasses.html

And this site has some great photos of different plants "in action":
http://www.wilsonbrosnursery.com/ShrubsDroughtTolerant.html
Happy Yardening!

Answer 2

There are sooo many grasses that they sell at backyard centers,that it may desire to be between the numerous! do you comprehend if somebody planted it? Or did it basically arise by itself? you could desire to take a image of it&and a powerful length clipping of it on your backyard midsection! you probably did no longer say in case you cherished it or had to maintain it? I unquestionably have many diverse ornamental grasses in my backyard that My spouse&I planted. I unquestionably have them any the place from 6in as much as 6ft+. I unquestionably have some that are all eco-friendly,some blueish,eco-friendly with white lines[varigated miscanthis] wich is approximately 5ft tall,and that i've got a miscanthus gracillimus it particularly is 6ft+and 3ft+huge. they are all very hardy the place I stay[Michigan] yet they turn brown in wintry climate.With massive plumes on suited,that the birds like! I cut back them to the floor interior the spring. Then they improve decrease back. you will get books on grasses. yet once you dont decide for it, cut back all of it the way down to the floor&wait until finally it starts off to enhance decrease back,approximately 5-6in &spray it with roundup. it may desire to take some circumstances of spraying it to kill it based what grass it is!! Spray it heavy!

Answer 3

I've found that blue fescue stays in a nice compact clump, yields a nice color and is maintenance free. Perhaps you might also consider daylillies - several varieties are short and will provide a nice foliage when not in bloom. Also pretty low-maintenance.