Tall, majestic grasses are absolute game-changers for any backyard. They look stunning as focal points and work just as well as a natural privacy screen—think of them as a softer, more graceful alternative to a traditional hedge. Today, I’m sharing nine of the most popular tall-growing grasses, plus a little “insider tip” for your garden.
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++Broadleaf Cattail (Typha latifolia)
This eye-catching pond plant is famous for its chocolate-brown, cylinder-shaped flower spikes. The wide, strap-like leaves are also super decorative. Reaching heights of 5 to 6.5 feet, the Broadleaf Cattail loves nutrient-rich, wet soil—making it the perfect choice for the back edge of your garden pond. A word of caution: this plant is a bit of an overachiever. Its invasive rhizomes can even puncture pond liners! I highly recommend planting it in a submerged galvanized tub to keep it in check.
++Giant Reed (Arundo donax)
Growing up to a massive 13 feet tall, Giant Reed is a Mediterranean native that brings a tropical vibe to the garden. It grows in upright clumps with sturdy stalks that can get over an inch thick. The long, flat leaves rustle beautifully with every breeze. Unlike many other tall grasses, its roots don’t tend to wander off and take over the yard, so you can usually plant it without a root barrier.
++’Northwind’ Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’)
This specific variety of Switchgrass is a real “tough guy” in the garden. It grows perfectly upright and is incredibly resilient against drought and heavy winds. Reaching about 5.5 feet, it’s a fantastic structural element for perennial beds or as a standalone specimen. Starting in July, delicate flower panicles appear, dancing in the wind. Plus, the blue-gray foliage turns a gorgeous orange-brown in the fall!
++Bamboo
Non-toxic and evergreen, bamboo adds an elegant Asian flair to almost any landscape. It’s a fast grower and can reach impressive heights with its iconic segmented canes. In home gardens, you’ll mostly see two types: Fargesia (clumping bamboo) and Phyllostachys (running bamboo). If you go with Phyllostachys, definitely install a root barrier, or it will eventually try to move into your neighbor’s yard!
++Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora)
Under the right conditions, this hardy grass hits about 5 feet in height. It features narrow, bright green leaves and stunning yellow-to-bronze flower plumes that appear in July. Because it grows in tidy clumps and doesn’t spread aggressively, it’s a low-maintenance choice for softening up a flower bed. No root barrier needed here!
++Common Reed (Phragmites australis)
This is a true giant, reaching heights of up to 13 feet. Because it spreads rapidly via runners, it’s mostly used for large-scale water filtration in swimming ponds or along the banks of big lakes. The reddish-brown flower heads tower over the long leaves starting in July and stay looking great well into winter, adding some much-needed texture to the snowy garden.
++Zebra Grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’)
This grass is a personal favorite for its unique look. It grows about 6.5 feet tall and can form clumps nearly 5 feet wide. The dark green leaves have horizontal yellow stripes—hence the name “Zebra Grass.” It’s a showstopper in any sunny spot, though it rarely flowers in cooler climates.
++Maiden Grass (Miscanthus)
With its dense growth and fluffy, silvery-white or reddish plumes, Maiden Grass is easily one of the most beautiful tall grasses out there. Depending on the variety, it can range from 3 to 13 feet tall. It’s a popular choice for privacy screens and “living walls.” One of the best things about Miscanthus is that it keeps its shape as it ages rather than flopping over in the middle like some other grasses.
++Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana)
If you want a real “wow” factor, Pampas Grass is the way to go. It forms large mounds of foliage with feathery flower plumes that can reach over 8 feet tall. It’s also great for local wildlife, providing winter shelter for beneficial insects. Since it has deep roots, it’s very drought-tolerant once established—perfect for low-water landscaping.
%%Giant Feather Grass (Stipa gigantea)
Here is my secret tip: the largest of the feather grasses. It reaches up to 8 feet tall and forms a dense, gray-green base. During blooming season, it sends up shimmering golden flower heads that are airy and elegant rather than thick and heavy. It looks incredible when paired with lower-growing perennials or in a rock garden. If you love a sun-drenched, airy look, this drought-loving grass is for you!