Choosing Grasses

Grasses by Zone

Grasses that thrive in your hardiness zone.

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Hardy Ornamental Grasses by Zone: Choosing Grasses for Zones 5 and 6

Pick hardy ornamental grasses for USDA zones 5 and 6, including 6b. Covers tall, short and shade grasses, invasive risks, planting time and cutting back.

7 min read

Best Ornamental Grasses for Zones 7 and 8

Reliable perennial ornamental grasses for zones 7 and 8, including pink muhly, feather reed grass and little bluestem, with planting time and care tips.

4 min read

Cold-Hardy Ornamental Grasses for Zones 3 and 4

Ornamental grasses that survive zone 3 and 4 winters: feather reed grass, prairie dropseed, switchgrass and more, plus planting timing and winter care.

4 min read

Midwest and Native Prairie Grasses for Landscaping

Native prairie grasses for Midwest landscapes, from the big four tall grasses to short natives, with notes for Kansas and Missouri, wildlife, and cutting back.

5 min read

Ornamental Grasses for Florida Landscapes: Humidity- and Heat-Tolerant Picks

Humidity- and heat-tolerant ornamental grasses for Florida landscapes, from native muhly and Fakahatchee grass to sea oats, with salt, wet-site and invasive notes.

4 min read

Ornamental Grasses for the Pacific Northwest: Wet Winters and Dry Summers

Ornamental grasses and sedges for the Pacific Northwest, including native options, evergreen picks and invasive cautions for wet winters and dry summers.

5 min read

Ornamental Grasses for Zones 9 and 10: Heat-Loving Varieties

Heat-tolerant ornamental grasses for zones 9 and 10, including muhly, fountain grass and Fakahatchee grass, plus invasive cautions and warm-climate care.

4 min read

What are some good ornamental grasses for Zone 6B?

Good ornamental grasses for Zone 6B include Karl Foerster feather reed grass, little bluestem, switchgrass, fountain grass and blue fescue. See the full list.

2 min read

What are some good tall grasses for pots?

Good tall grasses for pots include purple fountain grass, Karl Foerster feather reed grass and dwarf Miscanthus. Learn pot size, watering and winter care.

4 min read

Where can I find ornamental grass seeds for sale?

Find ornamental grass seeds from online seed companies, native plant nurseries and garden centers, plus what to check before buying and which grasses grow from seed.

3 min read

More in choosing grasses

Grass Types The main kinds of ornamental grass and how they differ. Shade Grasses Grasses and grass-like plants for shady spots. Wet Site Grasses Grasses for rain gardens, pond edges and damp soil. Dry Sun Grasses Tough grasses for hot, dry, sunny beds.