Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
When you envision a luscious garden, you probably picture flowers, shrubs, herbs, and even fruit trees or vegetables—but what about grass? That's right, a garden full of grass. We're not talking about a sprawling lawn, though. Ornamental grass is a welcome and beloved addition to any landscaping plan. Even better, it doesn't require a weekly mow.
The best ornamental grass varieties wear many hats in a garden. They can add texture and volume and fill in blank spaces, making your garden beds look lusher and more considered overall. Most types of ornamental grass love full sun (though some can thrive in less), so they can provide shade to more delicate flowers and shrubs. Plant them alongside seasonal flowers, bushes, and trees, and your garden beds will look dynamic even during the off-season. Their density also makes ornamental grass a great choice to add privacy and create boundaries, such as around a pool or patio or along a property line. And they just so happen to look great when dried and displayed in long-lasting floral arrangements indoors or outdoors. (Just think back to the pampas grass phase of 2021.)
Most types of ornamental grass are hearty and don't require a lot of maintenance or extra watering. In fact, sometimes the only care they require is cutting them back once a year in the winter so they can grow back stronger the following spring. Ahead, we highlight the 10 best ornamental grasses, what you need to know about them, and where to buy them.
The perennial pampas grass is known for its feather-like blooms. Just be sure to trim it back each winter to allow for new growth the following spring.
Online Orchards Online Orchards 1 Gal. Black Mondo Grass
Those who are color adverse will appreciate this type of ornamental grass. This striking black color will add depth and drama to any garden.
BELL NURSERY Gal. Prairie Dog Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum)
Narrow and tall, prairie dog grass grows nearly straight up, so it's ideal to fill a small blank spot in your garden that's too tight for a rose bush or sapling.
SEASON TO SEASON 2 Gal. Gold Bar Grass
With its signature stripes, gold bar grass is great for adding an unexpected pattern to your garden. Plant it among solid flowers for a dynamic look.
national PLANT NETWORK Pennisetum Fireworks Purple Fountain Grass
national PLANT NETWORK Pennisetum Fireworks Purple Fountain Grass
Identified by its signature magenta hue, this grass looks amazing when tucked in among greenery for a spark of contrast.
For those who live in a cold climate or experience harsh winters, blue oat brass is a great bet for year-round color and interest. It never loses its silver-blue hue.
Southern Living Plant Collection Evergreen Grass - Lime Yellow Foliage
Southern Living Plant Collection Evergreen Grass - Lime Yellow Foliage
For a bright pop among pine-colored evergreens and rich green lawns, plant an abundance of lime yellow grass. Home stagers and sellers, take note: This type grows long and fast, so it's great when you need instant impact.
While it may not look it at first glance, this ornamental grass grows to have stunning pale pink fronds as it gets larger. Plant for a pleasant surprise come springtime.
Online Orchards Blue Fescue Grass
For those who want both height and volume, blue fescue grass delivers. Its spikes offer stunning color variation and dramatic height.
Despite its menacing name, Japanese blood grass is actually named for its blood-red tips, not its sharp nature. Plant it among red roses and pink peonies for a striking color palette moment.
Kate McGregor is House Beautiful’s SEO Editor. She has covered everything from curated decor round-ups and shopping guides, to glimpses into the home lives of inspiring creatives, for publications such as ELLE Decor, Domino, and Architectural Digest’s Clever.
Watch Next
16 Common Poisonous Plants to Watch Out For
The Best Tiered Plant Stands To Shop on Prime Day
A Guide to Using Neem Oil for Plants
21 Best Gardening Tools To Tend Plants Like a Pro
