If you’re looking to liven up your shady garden, then these Best Ornamental Grasses For Shade are the way to go!
Shady gardens not only add texture and dimension to your garden, but they also thrive in shady areas. So, let’s get into the top picks for the Best Ornamental Grasses for Shade.
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Best Ornamental Grasses for Shade
1. Autumn Moore Grass
Botanical Name: Sesleria autumnalis
USDA Zones: 5-8
This beautiful grass is a popular choice for shady gardens. The foliage turns golden in the fall, adding a warm glow to your garden as the days get shorter.
2. Dwarf Fountain Grass
Botanical Name: Pennisetum Alopecuroides ‘Hameln’
USDA Zones: 4-11
This grass is perfect for adding height to your shady garden without taking up too much space. Its stunning pinkish-tan color stands out in any garden.
3. Fall Blooming Reed Grass
Botanical Name: Calamagrostis arundinacea
USDA Zones: 4-9
If you’re looking for grass that will bring some late-season color to your shady garden, look no further than Fall Blooming Reed Grass.
4. Flame Grass
Botanical Name: Miscanthus Purpurascens
USDA Zones: 4-9
If you’re looking for shady grass that adds some drama to your garden, then the Flame Grass is the way to go. This low-maintenance grass has a stunning red and orange color.
5. Feather Reed Grass
Botanical Name: Calamagrostis X Acutiflora
USDA Zones: 3-9
Feather Reed Grass is a striking grass that grows up to 4-5 feet tall, even in the shadiest spot. Its feathery, vertical foliage comes in shades of green and bronze.
6. Greater Wood Rush
Botanical Name: Luzula sylvatica
USDA Zones: 4-9
Greater Wood Rush is perfect for adding texture to your shady space. Its unique appearance includes dark green, glossy leaves and tiny, bell-shaped flowers.
7. Japanese Forest Grass
Botanical Name: Hakonechloa macra
USDA Zones: 5-9
This grass, also known as Hakone grass, is a shade-loving plant that adds a touch of elegance to any garden. The delicate appearance makes it perfect for adding texture.
8. Lilyturf
Botanical Name: Liriope Spp.
USDA Zones: 4-10
For those who want grass that is a little more low-key, the Lilyturf is a perfect choice. This grass has a delicate look that adds a touch of elegance to any garden.
9. Muhly Grass
Botanical Name: Muhlenbergia Capillaris
USDA Zones: 5-11
Muhly Grass is a showstopper when it comes to fall color. Its delicate pink or purple flowers appear in late summer and early fall, creating a stunning contrast against its green foliage.
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10. Mondo Grass
Botanical Name: Ophiopogon japonicus
USDA Zones: 5-10
This grass is perfect for adding some interest to your garden with its unique appearance. The Mondo Grass has a dark green color and thin blades that add a touch of sophistication.
11. Northern Sea Oats
Botanical Name: Chasmanthium latifolium
USDA Zones: 3-9
This grass is a great choice for those who want to add some movement to their garden. It has a unique appearance with drooping seedheads that sway in the breeze.
12. Sedge
Botanical Name: Carex Spp
USDA Zones: 2-9
Another great option for shade-loving grasses is the Sedge. This grass is perfect for adding some movement to your garden.
13. Sweet Flag
Botanical Name: Acorus Spp.
USDA Zones: 4-11
Sweet Flag is a versatile grass that can grow in sun or shade. Its glossy green leaves resemble those of a lily, and it produces small, insignificant flowers in the summer.
14. Tufted Hair Grass
Botanical Name: Deschampsia Cespitosa
USDA Zones: 2-8
This lovely grass is a favorite of gardeners who want to give a natural and wild look to their shady area. It grows in tufts up to 3-5 feet tall, with feathery green foliage.
15. Variegated Bulbous Oat Grass
Botanical Name: Arrhenatherum elatius ‘Variegatum
USDA Zones: 3-9
Most grasses need full sun to thrive, but not our Variegated bulbous oat grass. This is a perfect choice if you’ve got a dark corner of your garden that needs some sprucing up.
