One of my favorite plants to grow is scented grass.
Although some of the scented grasses are perennials, most of them are not.
Their uses range from medicinal, to culinary and crafting such as making potpourri or smudge sticks.
There are so many advantages to growing scented grasses in containers and in the ground that I recommend every gardener grow at least one scented grass in their home or garden.
What Is Scented Grass?
Grass is a plant and they're always giving off some sort of scent, but usually it's not noticeable unless you're standing right next to it.
Scented grass is a type of grass that has a pleasant scent such as a lemon or even vanilla scent.
The scent can vary greatly depending on the type of grass.
The aroma is released by rubbing the leaves or heating the leaves or roots of some species.
Scented grasses can be found in different parts of the world including Europe, Asia, and North America.
How To Choose The Right Scented Grass For Your Needs
Scented grasses have become more and more popular in recent years.
It is not difficult to find a variety of scents on the market today, but what do you need to know if you are considering purchasing one?
It is important that you understand what type of scent will be right for your needs.
If you are looking for something subtle, then vanilla might be perfect.
For those who want a stronger smell, lemon grass would work best.
The strength of the scent can vary even among the same type of plants, so be sure to smell the leaves and choose the one that most appeals to you.
Lemon Grass Is A Popular Scented Grass
One of the most known of the scented grasses is Cymbopogon Citratus, commonly called Lemon Grass, which is a tropical herb native to Southern Indian and Indonesia.
It can grow as high as six foot tall and if left alone will flower after approximately six to seven years.
Lemon grass is used mainly as a culinary herb, although it has a rich lemony smell that works extremely well in homemade potpourri.
One of the scented grasses I grow is Lemon Grass.
This scented grass is not been hardy here in Indiana, USDA hardiness zone ⅚.
This plant does fine with or without direct sunlight, as long as the temperature stays relatively warm during the day.
I was very surprised at how easy this scented grass is to grow from divisions.
The plants do well in containers as well as directly planted in the soil outdoors.
Although lemon grass is a tropical plant, it does well as an indoor houseplant indoors in cooler climates.
I have had one for many years and continually divide it to give away to people who stop by the garden center where I work.
Vanilla, Palmarosa And Ginger Scented Grasses
I have grown vanilla grass as well and truly loved the scent.
It thrives under the same conditions as lemon grass and produces a wonderful vanilla scent.
I especially like it for adding fragrance to the garden and potpourri.
Palmarosa and ginger scented oils are obtained from different grass species.
Palmarosa is extracted from Cymbopogon martinii and Cymbopogon winterianus produces a ginger scent.
Because they come from grasses, it might be assumed that these scents would be mild, like the aroma of a fresh cut lawn on a warm summer day.
Not so!
In fact some scented grasses are quite strongly scented.
Sweet Grass Smells Like Sweetly Scented Hay
A very rare, but commonly heard of grass is sweet grass.
Sweet grass is an important Native American tradition that has been passed on for generations.
It is a rapid grower that has almost become extinct though.
A common use of the blades of grass this plant produces is to make smudge sticks.
I have never had any success over wintering this plant outdoors, although they claim it is a perennial.
Even if this plant dries out a little, it seems to come back ok.
It is a very sweet hay-like smelling grass whose scent is hard to describe.
The scent is not overpowering however.
I have never had success growing this plant from seed, so all my knowledge comes directly from a plant that I purchased from a small herb nursery.
Sweet grass can be used as a decoration, to help with sleep, or even added to herbal remedies.
The blades of sweetgrass are still popular today because it is said using it in smudge sticks helps bring peace into your home and body while encouraging feelings of happiness and calmness at the same time.
Benefits Of Using Scented Grass In Your Yard
The scent of the grass is, in my opinion, the biggest benefit.
Some of the grasses scents have the added benefit of helping to repel insects such as mosquitos.
Vanilla grass emits a warm, rich aroma of vanilla that many find soothing, so this grass would be ideal for a sitting area or even near a hammock.
The scent of lemon grass is energizing and uplifting not to mention some say it helps to neutralize odors and of course fend off mosquitos.
A good place to plant lemon grass or place pots of it is near a water feature or pool.
So you see, there are benefits to using scented grasses in your yard or even in your home.
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