Why grasses suit a front yard
The front of a house is seen every day, so plants need to look decent in more than one season. Ornamental grasses offer fine texture, a soft contrast to rounded foundation shrubs, and winter presence when left standing. Many clumping types are also tolerant of dry spells once established, which can help in beds far from a hose.
Plan around windows, walkways and sightlines
Before choosing plants, look at the spot.
- Under windows: pick grasses whose mature height stays below the sill, remembering that flower stems add height. Compact types around 2 to 3 feet are common choices.
- Along walkways: leave room for arching foliage to spread. A grass that flops over a path becomes a nuisance, so plant back from the edge by roughly half of its mature width (more in how far apart to plant ornamental grasses).
- Near driveways and corners: keep tall grasses away from sightlines so they do not block views of the street.
- Against the house: allow air circulation, and avoid planting right against siding where moisture can linger.
Good choices by size
Low (under about 18 inches): blue fescue, mondo grass and sedges work for edges and gaps. See small ornamental grasses for borders and edging.
Medium (about 2 to 4 feet): dwarf fountain grass ‘Hameln’, little bluestem and compact feather reed grass or switchgrass cultivars are common. These fill the space under windows and in front of shrubs. For a height-by-height shortlist, see good ornamental grasses for the front of your house.
Tall (4 feet and above): feather reed grass ‘Karl Foerster’ offers a narrow, upright shape that works at corners or beside steps. Wider Miscanthus is better placed where it has room. See tall ornamental grasses for more.
Shady front entries
Many front doors face north or sit beneath trees. Sedges (Carex) and Hakone grass are frequently used in light to part shade. See good ornamental grasses that grow in shade. Deep shade is harder, as covered in growing grass in 100% shade.
Combine with shrubs and perennials
Grasses pair well with evergreen shrubs for winter structure and with flowering perennials for color. A few combinations to consider: a fountain grass in front of a boxwood or holly, or feather reed grass behind coneflowers and sedum. For more ideas, see perennials to plant with ornamental grasses and pairing grasses with hydrangeas and flowering shrubs.
Pots by the door
Containers can bring grasses to porches and steps. Keep in mind that plants in pots are more exposed to winter cold than plants in the ground. See growing ornamental grasses in containers.
Keeping it tidy
Cut deciduous grasses back in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Some people prefer to cut sooner in a formal front yard, and that is a matter of taste. If upkeep matters most, the best low-maintenance ornamental grass lists easy options. For broader planning, see the main guide to landscaping with ornamental grasses.