Short answer
Most true ornamental grasses prefer sun, but several grasses and grass-like plants handle light or part shade well. The best-known are sedges (Carex), Hakone grass (Hakonechloa macra), mondo grass (Ophiopogon) and northern sea oats (Chasmanthium latifolium). In deep shade, none perform as well as they do with some light. For a fuller list, see ornamental grasses for shade and part shade.
Light shade versus deep shade
- Light or filtered shade: a few hours of sun, or dappled light under high trees. Many of the plants below do well here.
- Part shade: about 3 to 6 hours of sun, often morning sun. This opens up more options.
- Deep shade: little direct light. Plants survive but grow slowly and look thinner. See growing grass in 100% shade.
Top shade picks
- Sedges (Carex): a broad group, many evergreen. Plant Delights calls Carex the toughest of the shade options. Cultivars such as ‘Ice Dance’ reach around 12 inches and brighten shady spots. Hardiness varies by species. Compare cultivars in the best carex varieties for shade gardens.
- Hakone grass (Hakonechloa macra): forms arching, cascading mounds and spreads slowly. Golden and variegated forms light up shade, with warm fall color. It tolerates sun but its tips may scorch, so shade suits it best. See growing Japanese forest grass.
- Mondo grass (Ophiopogon): a tufted, evergreen plant, with dwarf and black-leaved forms. It is slow to fill in.
- Northern sea oats (Chasmanthium latifolium): a native with flat, oat-like seed heads. It self-seeds freely in some areas, which can be a nuisance.
- Liriope (lilyturf): tough in part shade in warmer zones, though some forms spread. Compare it with mondo in liriope vs mondo grass.
- Feather reed grass ‘Overdam’: described as happy in sun or partial shade.
Planting and care
- Prepare soil with compost, since shady beds beneath trees are often dry and root-filled.
- Water new plants regularly. Shade plants under trees still compete for water.
- Keep sedges and Hakone grass from drying out. Most do best with moderate, steady moisture.
- Cut back damaged or tired foliage in early spring. Evergreen sedges mostly need combing or light trimming.
Pairings
Combine with hostas, ferns, hydrangeas and coral bells for varied leaf size and color. Bright chartreuse or variegated grasses lift dark corners, and dark foliage looks best next to lighter greens. See pairing grasses with hydrangeas and flowering shrubs. For pots in shade, see ornamental grasses in containers. More design guidance is in landscaping with ornamental grasses.