Choosing Grasses

Shade Grasses

Grasses and grass-like plants for shady spots.

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Ornamental Grasses for Shade and Part Shade

Which ornamental grasses and grass-like plants actually grow in shade? Compare the best choices for part shade, dry shade and moist shade, plus care tips.

6 min read

Best Carex Varieties for Shade Gardens

Discover the best Carex (sedge) varieties for shade, from Pennsylvania sedge to 'Ice Dance' and palm sedge, sorted by dry, moist and variegated needs.

4 min read

Deer-Resistant Grasses for Shade Gardens

Which shade grasses and sedges do deer usually leave alone? See deer-resistant options for shade, why nothing is deer-proof, and how to improve your odds.

3 min read

Do ornamental grasses grow in the shade?

Yes, some ornamental grasses and grass-like plants grow in shade, though most prefer sun. Learn which ones work, what to expect, and how to succeed.

3 min read

Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa): Growing and Caring for It in Shade

How to grow Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra): light, soil, watering, spacing, cutting back, dividing and common problems, plus popular cultivars.

4 min read

Liriope vs Mondo Grass: Which Shade Groundcover Is Right for You?

Liriope vs mondo grass compared: height, leaves, flowers, spread, shade tolerance, hardiness and care, so you can pick the right shade groundcover.

4 min read

Ornamental Grasses for Wet Shade

Shady and damp? These grasses, sedges and rushes tolerate moist to wet shade, from palm sedge to sweet flag, plus tips for rain gardens and pond edges.

4 min read

Shade-Tolerant Tall Grasses for Height Under Trees

Looking for tall grasses that handle shade? Learn which grasses reach 3 to 5 feet in part shade, what to expect in deeper shade, and options for pots.

4 min read

What are some good dwarf grasses for landscaping?

Good dwarf ornamental grasses for landscaping include blue fescue, dwarf fountain grass, sedges and mondo grass. See options for sun and shade, plus uses.

3 min read

What ornamental grasses are suitable for planting in Zone 5?

Many ornamental grasses thrive in Zone 5, from feather reed grass and switchgrass to Hakone grass and sedges. See picks for sun and shade, and what to avoid.

4 min read

More in choosing grasses

Grass Types The main kinds of ornamental grass and how they differ. Grasses by Zone Grasses that thrive in your hardiness zone. Wet Site Grasses Grasses for rain gardens, pond edges and damp soil. Dry Sun Grasses Tough grasses for hot, dry, sunny beds.