Just like any other plant family, ornamental grasses have their own unique personalities when it comes to how much sun they need. While many people picture grasses waving in a sunny meadow, there are actually plenty of varieties that are perfectly happy hanging out in the shade. This is great news if you have a north-facing patio or a garden bed tucked under some big trees!
Grasses That Love the Shade
Whether you’re dealing with a north-facing balcony or a backyard corner shaded by tall oaks, you’ve got options. These varieties don’t just survive in the shade—they actually thrive there:
- Evergold Sedge (Japan-Goldsegge)
- Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa)
- Broad-leaved Sedge
- Pendulous Sedge (Riesensegge)
- Palm Sedge
- Snowy Woodrush
- Great Woodrush
Sedges are Your Best Friend in the Shade
As you might have noticed from the list above, Sedges (Carex) are the real MVPs of the shade garden. Whether you plant them in a garden bed or in a container, they are incredibly low-maintenance. Not only are they tough as nails, but unlike many other ornamental grasses, they don’t mind “wet feet.” This is a huge plus, because shady spots tend to stay damp much longer after a heavy rain.
Go Big in the Shade
Sometimes you need a little height to create a privacy screen along a property line or around your deck. If those areas are on the darker side, don’t worry—you can still go big. Varieties like Pendulous Sedge, certain types of Bamboo, and Tufted Hairgrass are excellent choices. Some of these can reach heights of up to ten feet, giving you a beautiful, natural screen from the neighbors.
Sun-Loving Varieties
Of course, if you have wide-open spots that get baked by the sun all day, you’ll want to stick with the sun-worshippers. Here are a few varieties that can’t get enough of those rays:
- Maiden Grass (Miscanthus)
- Fountain Grass
- Pampas Grass
- Indian Grass
- Diamond Reed Grass
