Ornamental grasses are the unsung heroes of landscape design, offering a unique combination of beauty, versatility, and low maintenance. These grasses add texture, movement, and a year-round visual feast for the eyes. Whether planted as a backdrop, mixed into borders, or used to soften the hard edges of walkways, ornamental grasses provide an element of grace that few other plants can achieve. Their soft plumes sway gently in the wind, creating a sense of motion and tranquility, while their wide variety of colors—from rich purples to silver blues—make them adaptable to any garden palette.
What’s more, ornamental grasses are incredibly versatile in terms of placement and care. Many thrive in poor soils, making them perfect for low-maintenance gardens. Some varieties, such as blue fescue or feather reed grass, require little more than a sunny spot and occasional trimming, while others, like Hakone grass, prefer the dappled shade of woodland settings.
Most ornamental grasses are perennials, returning year after year with minimal effort. Their seasonal changes—from blue-green foliage in summer to golden hues in fall—ensure they’re a valuable addition to any garden throughout all four seasons. These plants truly make landscape design feel effortless, offering rewards for both novice and seasoned gardeners.
Best Ornamental Grasses
1. Purple Millet
Versatility with a Touch of Drama
Purple millet, also known as Pennisetum glaucum ‘Purple Majesty’, is a stunning addition to any garden with its deep purple, almost black arching foliage. This tall grass grows up to 4 feet, creating a dramatic focal point with its spiky seed heads. It’s perfect for container gardens or as a bold statement in mixed borders. The best part? Purple millet thrives in full sun and can tolerate poor soil and drought conditions. Come late summer, its dark foliage contrasts beautifully against the lighter greens of other plants. For care, prune back in early spring to encourage new growth.
2. Reed Grass
Elegant, Year-Round Structure
Also known as feather reed grass (Calamagrostis acutiflora), this perennial is often praised for its vertical growth and feathery airy panicles. It’s ideal for creating height and structure, reaching up to 6 feet tall. Reed grass thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade and adapts well to various soil conditions, including wet soils. Its seed heads stay upright even in the winter garden, adding interest throughout the cold months. Maintenance is a breeze—just trim it back in late winter to prepare for the next growing season.
3. Blue Fescue
Cool Tones and Compact Form
If you’re working with a small space or looking for a short grass, Festuca glauca (Blue Fescue) is an excellent choice. Its vibrant foliage provides a striking color contrast, particularly in container gardens or at the front of borders. This grass prefers full sun and well-drained soils, making it a perfect addition to drought tolerating landscapes. Easy to care for, simply trim back old leaves in early spring to refresh its fine texture.
4. Hakone Grass
A Shaded Gem with Movement
For part shade areas, Hakonechloa macra or Hakone grass is a beautiful choice. Its cascading, bright green leaves add a graceful flow to shaded areas. It loves moist, well-drained soils and can be a stunning ground cover for winter gardens. Prune it back in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape. Unlike other grasses, Hakone grass doesn’t tolerate dry conditions, so it’s crucial to ensure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.
5. Little Bluestem
A Native Grass with Seasonal Color
One of the best ornamental grasses for bringing native charm to your garden is Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium). This native species thrives in poor soil and full sun, making it perfect for prairie-like landscapes. Its blue-green foliage turns reddish-orange in early fall, adding warmth to the garden. Little Bluestem is drought tolerant, easy to grow, and attracts birds and pollinators, making it a great choice for wildlife-friendly landscapes.
6. Fountain Grass
Soft Plumes and Wide Appeal
Fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum) is a go-to for its soft, arching plumes that sway in the breeze. Growing up to 4 feet tall, this grass thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it an ideal candidate for container gardens or borders. Its fluffy seed heads provide texture and interest well into the off-season, and it can even serve as a privacy screen. Simply cut it back in late winter to prepare for new growth.
7. Prairie Cordgrass
Bold and Wild
If you’re looking for a grass that thrives in wet soils, Prairie Cordgrass (Spartina pectinata) is a rugged, native grass that works well in rain gardens or around ponds. Its tall stature makes it an ideal candidate for erosion control. Cordgrass is relatively low-maintenance and tolerant of a wide range of conditions, including drought once established. Its tall seed stalks provide vertical interest and can be left standing in the winter for added structure.
8. Blue Oat Grass
Elegance and Durability
For a reliable perennial ornamental grass, Helictotrichon sempervirens (Blue Oat Grass) stands out with its steely blue-green blades. This drought-tolerant grass prefers full sun and well-drained soils, making it perfect for xeriscaping. Its arch-like foliage adds elegance, and the tall flower stalks make it a great addition to the back of borders. Prune back in late winter for a tidy appearance.
9. Switchgrass
Native and Resilient
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is another native plant that thrives in a wide range of conditions, from full sun to part shade. Known for its resilience in poor soil, Switchgrass also tolerates drought and even wet soils. Its arching foliage creates movement, while its seed heads provide food for birds throughout the fall and winter months. Switchgrass is a great choice for those looking to attract wildlife while maintaining a low-maintenance garden.
Conclusion
Ornamental grasses are the unsung stars of the garden world, offering not just beauty but also a practical solution for various landscape needs. Their versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of environments—from large, open meadows to compact container gardens on patios.
Some, like purple millet or fountain grass, add a striking vertical element with their arching foliage and tall plumes, while others like Hakone grass lend a delicate, flowing texture to shaded areas. These plants are particularly appealing for their ability to complement other native plants and shrubs, offering a seamless blend between wild and manicured landscapes.
Additionally, these grasses do more than just beautify your garden; they can serve practical purposes, such as creating privacy screens, erosion control, and even attracting wildlife like birds and pollinators.
By selecting a mix of these perennial ornamental grasses, you can create a landscape that offers continuous interest while requiring minimal upkeep, truly embodying the perfect balance between form and function.
