Ornamental grasses are one of the easiest ways to bring year-round texture, movement, and elegance into your outdoor space.
They may not have the showy blooms of climbers or shrubs, but their beauty lies in their ability to sway gracefully in the breeze, soften hard edges, and add structure across all seasons.
These grasses are also incredibly versatile; you can grow them in raised beds, borders, large containers, or even as natural privacy screens. Best of all, ornamental grasses require very little upkeep once established.
They tolerate a wide range of soils, need minimal watering, and thrive with just a little sun. If you are looking for low-maintenance plants that look beautiful in every season, here are 11 of the best ornamental grass varieties to consider.
#1 Fountain Grass
Fountain Grass grows into elegant clumps that can reach 3 to 4 feet tall, making it perfect for borders or as a soft privacy screen.
In late summer and fall, it bursts into bloom with fluffy, brush-like flowers that arch outward like fountains, creating a dramatic focal point. This grass thrives in full sun and well-drained soil but adapts to different garden conditions with ease.
Water moderately and let the soil dry between sessions to keep the roots healthy. Once established, it tolerates drought fairly well. Its graceful form and long-lasting plumes will add charm to your landscape year after year.
#2 Pink Muhly Grass
Pink Muhly Grass is prized for its breathtaking display of airy, pinkish-red plumes that appear in late summer and fall. At about 3 to 4 feet tall, it’s the perfect height for garden borders or mass plantings.
When sunlight hits the feathery blooms, they seem to glow, giving the entire garden an ethereal effect. This grass thrives in full sun and prefers well-draining soil.
Once rooted, it requires very little attention aside from occasional watering during dry spells. If you’re searching for a plant that combines low maintenance with show-stopping beauty, this one belongs on your list.
#3 Fiber Optic Grass
Fiber Optic Grass stays small, reaching only about a foot tall, but its charm is undeniable. Its stems are tipped with tiny, fluffy flowers that sparkle like glowing lights, hence its name.
It grows well in containers, raised beds, or tucked into garden edges where its unique texture can shine. Unlike many grasses, this one prefers consistently moist soil, making it a good choice for water gardens or damp spots.
Give it partial to full sun for best growth. It’s a playful and decorative option that looks particularly stunning in modern landscapes.
#4 Maiden Grass
Maiden Grass, also known as Miscanthus, is a tall and elegant variety that can reach heights of 6 feet or more. Its fine-textured leaves arch gracefully, while silvery plumes emerge in late summer and last well into winter.
This grass makes an excellent backdrop for flowering perennials and adds height to mixed borders. It prefers full sun and moderately moist, well-draining soil.
Once established, it’s remarkably resilient and requires little attention apart from cutting back in early spring. Its year-round beauty makes it a favorite among landscape designers.
#5 Sedge
Sedge is a versatile ornamental grass that comes in many colors, from golden shades to variegated green-and-white patterns.
It grows in attractive clumps that spread gently when planted in groups, making it an excellent choice for edging paths or filling shady corners. Most sedge varieties prefer moist soil and can even handle damp areas near ponds.
They tolerate both sun and shade, giving you plenty of flexibility in placement. To maintain a neat appearance, trim back old foliage in early spring. With minimal care, sedges will add texture and soft movement to any landscape.
#6 Feather Reed Grass
Feather Reed Grass is known for its upright, feathery plumes that rise above slender green leaves. The seed heads appear in summer and remain attractive into winter, adding structure when most other plants have faded.
Growing about 3 to 5 feet tall, it’s perfect for vertical accents in small gardens. This grass thrives in full sun but can handle partial shade and adapts to many soil types.
It requires little more than occasional watering once established. Its neat, clumping growth habit makes it ideal for contemporary or formal landscapes.
#7 Japanese Forest Grass
Japanese Forest Grass is one of the few ornamental grasses that thrive in shade, making it invaluable for woodland gardens or north-facing spaces. It grows up to 18 inches tall and forms elegant mounds of arching foliage in shades of green or gold.
The leaves create a cascading effect that looks especially beautiful spilling over the edges of containers or rock walls. This grass prefers consistently moist, rich soil and is partial to full shade.
It’s slow-growing but well worth the wait for its graceful texture. With its unique adaptability, it brings light and movement to the dim corners of the garden.
#8 Switch Grass
Switch Grass is a native perennial that reaches around 3 feet tall, with upright leaves that turn shades of red and bronze in late summer. Its airy flower heads appear in midsummer and add a soft, cloud-like effect above the foliage.
This grass is highly adaptable, thriving in full sun and tolerating both moist and dry soils. It also provides excellent habitat for birds and other wildlife.
Cut it back in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth. Its vibrant colors and sturdy growth habit make it a reliable choice for garden borders or naturalized areas.
#9 Blue Fescue
Blue Fescue is a compact ornamental grass that reaches only about a foot tall, but its striking steel-blue foliage makes it stand out.
Plant it in groups of three to five for the best effect, where the rounded mounds of leaves create a cool contrast against brighter plants. This grass thrives in sunny, well-drained locations and is drought-tolerant once established.
It produces small flower spikes in summer, but the foliage remains the main attraction. With its neat habit and vibrant color, Blue Fescue is perfect for edging, rock gardens, or modern landscapes.
#10 Mondo Grass
Mondo Grass is a low-growing clumping grass that comes in shades of green, dark burgundy, or even nearly black. It’s commonly used as a groundcover, particularly in shaded areas where other grasses struggle.
Plant it in masses for a dramatic carpet-like effect or use it as edging along pathways. This hardy grass tolerates a wide range of soils and needs only moderate watering.
Its slow, steady growth means it requires very little maintenance. Mondo Grass is a subtle yet reliable way to bring texture and depth to your garden.
#11 Purple Millet
Purple Millet offers both height and color, growing up to 5 feet tall with deep purple leaves and seed heads. In late summer, it produces flowers that mature into striking, dark seed spikes loved by birds.
This ornamental grass thrives in full sun and prefers fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly during dry periods to maintain its vibrant color.
Not only does it make a bold statement in borders, but it also looks stunning in container arrangements. With its dramatic appearance and easy care, Purple Millet is a standout choice for modern gardens.