Twenty-six grass species offering texture, dynamism, and continuous attractiveness across all seasons, providing a visually appealing landscape.
Ornamental grasses: the low-maintenance, high-impact secret for an evergreen garden! Turn your outdoor space into a showstopper with these incredible choices. Embrace the beauty of natural movement, seasonal color, and resilience - all year round!
1. Feather Reed Grass - Karl Foerster
This beloved ornamental marvel dons an elegant, upright form and golden flower spikes. It's an architectural stone in borders, withstanding winter's chill in zones 4 to 9, and tolerating clay soils like a champ. Its feathery plumes transform bronze when seasons change, catches the light flawlessly, and adds an air of sophistication without the usual maintenance headaches.
2. Blue Fescue
Meet the compact, darling clump-former with icy-blue foliage. This baby's cool-season vibe and low-flopping tendency make it the perfect addition for edging, rock gardens, and containers. Its color intensifies in cooler months, adding a splash of eye-catching charm, and eventually blooms with soft flower spikes for a double win. Blue Fescue thrives in zones 4 to 8, craves well-drained soil, and cherishes the sun. Its petite structure makes it an excellent groundcover or accent near walkways.
3. Switchgrass - Panicum virgatum
This native beauty stands tall with an awe-inspiring display, offering striking fall color and airy, pink-tinged seed heads in late summer. Transform your landscape in zones 3 to 9 with its vase-like form and drought-tolerant qualities. Don't forget that it also thrives in poor soils, and even nutrient-poor swamps! Use it for erosion control, screening, or adding drama in large beds.
4. Japanese Forest Grass - Hakonechloa macra
This exotic, charming, and arching grass brings a soft, cascading effect to the shade garden in zones 5 to 9. Japanese Forest Grass shimmers in filtered light, showcasing golden or variegated foliage that captivates your senses. While slow to spread, it forms lush mounds that shift to pink and bronze tones in fall. This grass adores moisture, rich soil, and dappled shade, its dried leaves still providing delicate texture to the winter garden.
5. Little Bluestem - Schizachyrium scoparium
This native prairie grass wins fans with fine blue-green blades that go bold when fall arrives, turning brilliant red, purple, and copper tones. Its eye-popping fluffy white seed heads persist through winter, attracting birds and standing out even on snowy nights. Little Bluestem flourishes in zones 3 to 9, loves full sun, and is label-free regarding soil type, making it a dream for gardeners.
6. Fountain Grass - Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'
Cold-hardy Hameln cultivar gives Fountain Grass a edge when it comes to winter survival, offering improved performance compared to other varieties. This compact buddy creates a tidy mound of arching green foliage and soft flower spikes in late summer that turn golden-bronze in fall. As winter approaches, its form holds beautifully in zones 5 to 9, thriving in full sun and tolerating dry soil once established. It's ideal for borders, mass plantings, and containers in frosty regions.
7. Maiden Grass - Miscanthus sinensis
Maiden Grass—with its arching green leaves and feathery flower plumes—is a tall and elegant addition to any garden. Many cultivars boast variegated or striped foliage, making each unique. As fall happens, the foliage shifts to golden to reddish-bronze hues, remaining delightful even in winter. Bring an air of sophistication to zones 5 to 9, as this baby thrives in full sun and adapts to various soil types. Use it for screening, dramatic accents, or sweeping masses.
8. Northern Sea Oats - Chasmanthium latifolium
Did you know this unique grass called Northern Sea Oats is known for its flat seed heads that dangle like delightful ornaments? These delicate beauties catch the sun, shimmer, and dry to a papery tan in winter, sticking around even on snowy days. Zones 3 to 8 are the groove for this grass, growing well in both sun and shade and adaptable to various soil types. It's reliable self-sowing, so practice a bit of care if you don't want it to take over your garden.
9. Purple Moor Grass - Molinia caerulea
Introducing an elegant and frost-tolerant grass that delivers fine foliage and tall, airy flower stalks that rise above in late summer. It transforms into a golden brown masterpiece as it ages, casting an enchanting silhouette in winter. Preferred in zones 4 to 9, this grass favors moist, well-drained soil and both full sun and partial shade. Its versatility makes it a shoo-in for meadows, mixed borders, and modern gardens.
10. Evergreen Sedge - Carex oshimensis 'Evergold'
Deck your garden with this reliable evergreen ornamental grass-like plant featuring variegated cream and green blades. It maintains its bright coloring through winter in milder climates, adding texture and light to any shady spot. Ideal for zones 5 to 9, it prefers moist, well-drained soil and part to full shade. This baby packs a low-maintenance punch while providing garden structure across all four seasons.
11. Japanese Blood Grass - Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron'
Japanese Blood Grass gifts vibrant color and garden presence from spring through fall with glorious red-tipped blades and a tailored clumping form that holds up even as the red fades in late fall. It's still strikingly attractive in winter in warmer zones, turning a tan hue, and pinkish in colder zones. Happiest in zones 5 to 9, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. A bold selection for borders, containers, or mass plantings where year-round form is king.
12. Tufted Hair Grass - Deschampsia cespitosa
Feast your eyes on Tufted Hair Grass, a cool-season, clumping grass with fine foliage and airy flower heads that float above the plant. The blooms appear late spring and remain attractive as they dry and turn golden. It mingles well in zones 4 to 9, thriving in sun to partial shade, and tolerating various soil types. It's a top pick for woodland edges, open grasslands, or integrated among flowering perennials.
13. Giant Sacaton - Sporobolus wrightii
This eye-catching native grass resembles pampas grass, but it's more manageable and eco-friendly. Its airy, golden seed heads emerge in summer and last through winter, catching the sunlight beautifully. It adds softness with its arching green foliage, remaining upright even in snow. Don't miss out on this unique find for zones 5 to 9 and optimal full sun with well-drained soil! Use it for bold backdrops, erosion control, or as a swanky specimen plant.
14. Autumn Moor Grass - Sesleria autumnalis
Autumn Moor Grass presents neat tufts of chartreuse green foliage that remains semi-evergreen near you in milder climates. It sends delicate flower spikes skyward in late summer, contrasting beautifully with its green leaves. In zones 5 to 9, this grass prefers full sun to partial shade and performs well in various soil types. It suits formal gardens, naturalistic landscapes, and blends seamlessly into any style.
15. Blue Oat Grass - Helictotrichon sempervirens
Blue Oat Grass is a striking cool-season ornamental with vibrant steely-blue foliage that remains dense year-round in many climates. With minimal fuss, it forms a mounded shape in sunny borders and rock gardens. Summer's gift to Blue Oat Grass are tan blooms atop its graceful height, providing interest through fall and the winter months. For gardeners in zones 4 to 9, it requires only full sun exposure and well-drained soil to keep this baby thriving.
16. Indian Grass - Sorghastrum nutans
Indian Grass gets the party started with tall, upright stems and burnished seed heads that brighten up autumn landscapes in zones 4 to 9. Its blue-green summer foliage turns warm shades on cooler days, adorning the garden with a rustic charm. Fans of Indian Grass can't get enough of its drought-tolerance, full-sun craving, and habitat-friendly qualities for butterflies and birds.
17. Japanese Sedge - Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance'
Japanese Sedge lets you enjoy year-round structure and color in garden beds with its evergreen grass-like qualities. Its variegated green-and-white leaves bring light to your backyard, even in the darker corners. This fancy baby thrives in zones 5 to 9, associating itself with moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade. Use it to wow guests with its stunning presence along pathways, in containers, or as a groundcover.
18. Big Bluestem - Andropogon gerardii
Bigger and bolder than ever, Big Bluestem lets your garden shine with its brilliant red, copper, and purple autumn foliage. Its seed heads add winter sparkle because they stay around to enjoy snowy days. In zones 3 to 9, it's tough, loves sun, and thrives in various soil types, making it perfect for prairie gardens or restoration projects. Plus, Big Bluestem helps alive native wildlife!
19. Dwarf Mondo Grass - Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana'
You can opt for Dwarf Mondo Grass instead of an actual grass, but we know you won't mind since this grass-like plant brings the charm without breaking the rules! It boasts vibrant green tufts that are coveted by gardeners near and far thanks to its ability to grow in damp or dry conditions. In shady spots, Dwarf Mondo Grass charms walkways as it thrives between stepping stones and near the border. Simply put, it's a captivating rockstar that'll make you green with envy in zones 6 to 10.
20. Silvergrass - Miscanthus nepalensis
For garden elitists searching for the next big thing, say hello to lesser-known Silvergrass! It praises shimmering gold plumes that gracefully sway above fine green foliage in summer. The party continues way into winter since its plumes maintain their dance-worthy charm. Zones 6 to 9 catch the eye of Silvergrass, as it desires sun and well-drained soil, unleashing its splendid beauty in naturalistic plantings and softening structured borders.
21. Berkeley Sedge - Carex divulsa
Your garden's done grown up and needs some sophistication, courtesy of Berkeley Sedge! This adaptable sedge thrives in both sunny and shady spots, winning fans with fine green blades that remind us of the grasses we know and love. In zones 5 to 9, this green queen treats gardeners well with its zero fuss and fewer water needs. Give her some space in flower beds next to trees or amongst her perennial friends, and enjoy her beauty year-round!
22. Evergreen Fountain Sedge - Carex tumulicola
Don't shy away from low-maintenance wonderland featuring lush Evergreen Fountain Sedge! This sedge charms with arching, fine-textured green foliage in zones 7 to 10, enhancing the look of your garden even when day turns to night. It's your secret weapon for borders, edging paths, and containers when in part shade or dry weather conditions, perfect for both modern and woodland schemes.
23. Tufted Sedge - Carex tumulicola
Yet another fantastic sedge perfect for shady landscapes, Tufted Sedge, also known as Bowles' Golden Sedge, delivers bright golden-green foliage year-round in zones 5 to 9. Your guests won't believe their eyes when they catch a glimpse of this beauty! This gold-standard sedge proves itself suitable as groundcover or edging path and wows in pond sides and rain gardens. You'll appreciate its year-round golden hue brightening up these spots, especially during the colder months.
24. Pink Muhly Grass - Muhlenbergia capillarios
Admired for its striking pink plumes in fall, Pink Muhly Grass is a true attention-seeker. Meanwhile, its fine green foliage adds texture and calm to any garden from spring to late summer! This stunner can be found flourishing in zones 6 to 9, soaking up full sun and well-drained soil. Pink Muhly Grass is an ideal choice for bold mass plantings, mouth-watering borders, and eye-catching containers.
25. Prairie Dropseed - Sporobolus heterolepis
Prairie Dropseed greets you with neat tufts and chartreuse green foliage, ensuring your landscape stays lively and lush even in the shade! This trendy grass-like plant adores zone 4 to 9, remains semi-evergreen, and ends up being a delightful companion for shady perennials. In late summer, it sends up silvery flower spikes, letting your garden enjoy a new level of charm. From woodland edges to cottage gardens, Prairie Dropseed adds structure, softness, and a touch of modern flair.
26. Bottlebrush Grass - Elymus hystrix
Bottlebrush Grass may not be on everyone's radar, but it's a hidden gem waiting to make its grand entrance in your garden! Offering protective, bottlebrush-shaped seed heads, it shines in the sunlight, swaying elegantly in the breeze. Plant it in zones 5 to 9 and watch it thrive in full sun to part shade. Prepare for a touch of whimsy in any shady corner or woodland edge thanks to its unique, delicious-sounding appearance.
Transform your home-and-garden into a haven that exudes modern elegance with these handpicked grasses. Feather Reed Grass, alluring with its golden flower spikes, and Blue Fescue, boasting its icy-blue foliage, make perfect additions to your home-and-garden's lifestyle, enhancing the ambiance of terraces, borders, and containers. Embrace the beauty of natural movement and seasonal color with these resilient choices, ensuring a stylish space that catches the eye all year round!
