Winter’s on its way, and it’s easy to assume our gardens will be down for the count. But how about adding some winter flair to turn the tables and make your garden pop like never before?
Yes, it’s possible! Ornamental grasses are your garden’s golden ticket to elegance, adding texture and structure, while their wispy plumes fit seamlessly into any modern aesthetic.
So, are you ready to work a little winter magic? These 7 beauties are just what your garden needs:
1. Needlegrass Is A Dream Come True For Beginner Gardeners
The first ornamental grass on our list is the stunning needlegrass, renowned for its hardiness and resilience.
This is a native plant, which means it offers countless benefits, including adding a spectacular touch of beauty.
Both cold winters and hot summers don’t stand a chance against the needlegrass, so you don’t have to worry about any temperature extremes.
Needlegrass performs best in USDA zones 7 through 10 and if you have a sunny backyard, this grass is all you need!
There are numerous varieties of needlegrass, so you can choose between silverish-green hues or opt for more rich, bronze hues. Needlegrass really has it all!
I have the popular Goldilocks variety and I’m absolutely in love with its green leaves and the way they combine with golden seedheads!
2. Feather Reed Grass For Gardens That Lack Vertical Interest
Nothing looks prettier than a garden with vertical interest! But choosing plants for this purpose may be tricky. Luckily, feather reed grass is here to save you!
This is another hardy ornamental grass and its seedheads are so strong that even the harshest winds and rain can’t break them.
If you live in South California or some cooler states, such as Iowa, feather reed grass is ideal for you!
Sunny and moist borders seem like the ideal locations for this grass but be careful and put it in the back because it can reach up to 5 feet!
3. Blue Grama For A Dramatic Touch
Here comes another native beauty, the one and only blue grama. You can find it in the Great Plains and consider yourself lucky if you see it growing in its natural habitat.
But we can bring that vibe into our yards! Even if you live in USDA zone 3, blue grama can adorn your outdoor space. It’s a super-resilient grass species that loves the sun and tolerates drought perfectly.
If you live in a region with hot and long summers, you’ll need to water it sometimes for better growth.
Wildlife adores blue grama, so it’s a great choice for those who want to make a wildlife garden.
4. Blue Fescue ‘Elijah Blue’ For A Unique Winter Garden
Gardeners love blue fescue but the one cultivar that leaves everyone speechless is Elijah Blue. This is a dwarf variety that forms into a compound mound, making it perfect for small gardens.
The needle-like leaves combined with upright plumes create a spectacular display during summer. The hues change into brown once the winter arrives and it’s a true sight to behold!
Elijah Blue is easy to maintain, tolerates drought, and deer stay away from it, making it ideal for beginner gardeners!
If you live in zones 4 and above and can ensure a sunny spot, it’s time to add Elijah Blue!
5. Switch Grass Will Add A Splash Of Colors!
If you’re into deep and rich hues, switch grass should be your choice! Once winter arrives, the leaves will turn orange and crimson, and your garden will be the envy of the neighborhood!
This is another native ornamental grass with amazing resilience and it’s perfect for planting in zones 4 through 9.
It can also be a plant to add vertical interest since some varieties can reach 5 feet. If you need some privacy, switch grass can take care of that, too!
But switch grass doesn’t look spectacular during winter only; the panicles of lovely pink and white blossoms will open up in summer and offer a great source of food for pollinators!
6. Moor Grass For An Elegant Winter Display
Arching thread-like foliage and stunning flower spikes make moor grass one of the prettiest plants out there.
With this ornamental grass, you’ll witness an incredible color transition during different seasons. Green will turn to purple-brown once fall arrives, and everything will become golden when the cool season approaches.
It can reach up to 8 feet, making it an excellent choice for vertical interest and some privacy. USDA zones from 5 through 8 offer the best conditions for moor grass.
This grass tolerates different types of soil, is deer-resistant, and with a little sun, you’ll have a thriving plant with little effort.
7. Make Your Winter Garden Stand Out With Japanese Forest Grass
And the last beauty on our list is the Japanese forest grass, whose cascading foliage leaves everyone speechless.
The blades are lime green during summer and turn golden brown once winter arrives.
If you live in zones 5 through 9 and have a sunny spot in your yard, you can plant Japanese forest grass. As soon as spring arrives, you’ll need to prune the plant to encourage new growth.
It fits perfectly into smaller spaces and you can even grow it in a container. How remarkable, right?
“Vibrant” and “colorful” may not be the words we use to describe winter gardens, but with the help of these ornamental grasses, it’s all within reach!