10 Best Tall Ornamental Grasses for Shade Gardens

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10 Best Tall Ornamental Grasses for Shade Gardens

Grasses are a great option for adding beauty and texture to shady areas of your garden. In this article, we will discuss 10 types of tall ornamental grasses that thrive in shade.

1. Giant Reed (Arundo donax)

Growth habit: With a height of up to 20 feet, Giant Reed has a vertical growth habit.

Growing conditions: This plant prefers full or partial sun and moist soil.

Best for: It is best for adding a tropical feel to your landscape.

2. Silver Feather Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Silberfeder')

Growth habit: This plant grows vertically up to 8-9 feet.

Growing conditions: Silver Feather Grass thrives in moist but well-drained soil.

Best for: It is best for adding a stunning silver effect on your landscape.

3. Red Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah')

Growth habit: Red Switch Grass has a vertical growth habit of 3-5 feet.

Growing conditions: It grows best in full or partial sun and moist soil.

Best for: This plant has a beautiful burgundy color that adds a dramatic effect to your garden.

4. Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra)

Growth habit: Japanese Forest Grass has a spreading growth habit and can reach up to 2 feet in height.

Growing conditions: It prefers partial shade and moist soil.

Best for: This grass adds a soft texture to your landscape with its bright green leaves.

5. Variegated Moor Grass (Molinia caerulea 'Variegata')

Growth habit: Variegated Moor Grass grows vertically up to 3 feet.

Growing conditions: This plant prefers full or partial sun and moist soil.

Best for: It is best for contrasting other ornamental plants with its cream-colored stripes.

6. Bowles' Golden Sedge (Carex elata 'Aurea')

Growth habit: Bowles' Golden Sedge has a clumping growth habit reaching about 2 feet.

Growing conditions: It thrives in full or partial sun and moist soil.

Best for: The stunning golden-yellow foliage creates contrast in your garden.

7. Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens')

Growth habit: Black Mondo Grass grows in clumps about 6-12 inches high.

Growing conditions: It prefers full to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Best for: The dark, almost black foliage adds mysterious vibes and contrasts great with bright-colored plants.

8. Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)

Growth habit: Northern Sea Oats has a clumped growth habit, reaching up to 3 feet.

Growing conditions: It grows best in part-shade, moist soil.

Best for: During the fall season, it produces unique flat seedheads, adding an aesthetic touch to your garden.

9. Zebra Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus')

Growth habit: Growing vertically up to 7 feet, this grass has a dense growth habit.

Growing conditions: It grows well in full or partial sun and well-drained soil.

Best for: The plant's green leaves have golden-yellow horizontal stripes resembling a zebra pattern, adding a unique outlook to your garden.

10. Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum)

Growth habit: Switch Grass has a vertical growth habit of 3-5 feet.

Growing conditions: It prefers full to partial sun and well-drained soil.

Best for: Its fine foliage adds vertical texture to your garden with a stunning golden-yellow color in fall.

When selecting tall grasses for a shady garden, it is important to choose species that can withstand low light conditions. The above-listed grasses are not only beautiful but also easy to maintain and will add texture and depth to your garden.

Which of these ornamental grasses grows best in full shade?

Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra) and Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens') grow well in full shading areas.

How tall do these tall grasses grow?

The height may vary, but most of them grow around 2 to 7 feet tall

What kind of soil do these tall grasses prefer?

Most of the grasses on this list prefer moist but well-drained soil.

Are any of these ornamental grasses deer-resistant?

Yes. Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) and Red Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah') are listed as deer-resistant plants.

Do these tall ornamental grasses need to be cut back each year?

Yes, it's recommended to cut back the grasses down to the ground level at least once a year, in early spring or late winter.

Can these grasses be used as a privacy screen for my yard?

Yes, they can if grown densely, but it’s best to go for other specific screening plants if your preference is a tall privacy screen.

Do any of these tall grasses have flowers or blooms?

Yes, they do have stunning blooms. Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium), Red Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah'), and Giant Reed (Arundo donax) are some of the examples.

Are these grasses invasive?

Most of these ornamental grasses are not listed as invasive. However, some rare species may behave aggressively in certain areas.

When is the best time to plant tall grasses in a shady area?

The ideal time to plant tall grasses in a shady area is in the spring season.

How often do I need to water these tall grasses?

These plants are moderately drought-resistant, but to promote lush growth, water them frequently. Ensure the soil is evenly moist but never waterlogged.