I have used 9 of these short ornamental grasses for landscaping projects in my yard as well as other people’s yards. Ornamental grasses are a fantastic addition to any landscape, offering year-round visual interest, texture, and movement.
Short Ornamental Grasses
Unlike traditional turf grass, these decorative grasses require minimal upkeep while providing unique colors, shapes, and seasonal changes.
Short ornamental grasses are particularly valuable in landscaping, as they can be used for borders, ground covers, container planting, and rock gardens.
These grasses are generally drought-tolerant, adaptable to various soil conditions, and offer habitat benefits for pollinators and wildlife.
Below, I will explore nine stunning short ornamental grasses that can elevate your garden’s aesthetic appeal while keeping maintenance low.
Blue Fescue
Blue Fescue is a small, clump-forming ornamental grass known for its striking blue-gray foliage. This evergreen grass maintains its vibrant color year-round, making it a reliable addition to any landscape.
It has fine-textured, spiky leaves that form neat, rounded tufts, and in late spring to early summer, it produces delicate, wheat-colored flower spikes that add to its charm.
Best Uses Of Blue Fescue
Blue Fescue is ideal for edging walkways, planting in rock gardens, or using it in mass plantings to create a uniform, low-maintenance ground cover.
It also works well in containers, where its contrasting color can stand out against flowering plants.
Blue Fescue Growing Conditions
Sunlight: Prefers full sun for the most vibrant foliage color.
Soil: Well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil is best.
Watering: Drought-tolerant once established but benefits from occasional deep watering in hot conditions.
Maintenance: Requires trimming of dead foliage in early spring; may need division every few years to maintain its vigor.
Japanese Forest Grass
Japanese Forest Grass is an elegant, cascading ornamental grass with bright yellow-green foliage that creates a graceful, arching effect.
This slow-growing, shade-loving grass forms dense mounds that sway gently with the breeze, adding movement and softness to shaded garden areas.
Best Uses Of Japanese Forest Grass
This grass is excellent for shade gardens, woodland plantings, and border edging. It also pairs beautifully with hostas, ferns, and other shade-loving perennials.
When planted near water features, its drooping habit enhances the visual effect of the flowing water.
Japanese Forest Grass Growing Conditions
Sunlight: Prefers partial to full shade; too much sun can scorch the foliage.
Soil: Moist, well-drained, fertile soil is ideal.
Watering: Requires regular watering, especially in dry periods, to maintain lush foliage.
Maintenance: Cut back in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges; mulch in colder climates to protect roots.
Dwarf Mondo Grass
Dwarf Mondo Grass is a slow-growing, evergreen grass that forms a dense, carpet-like ground cover.
Its dark green, grass-like foliage remains vibrant year-round, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscaping.
Best Uses Of Dwarf Mondo Grass
Ideal for pathways, between stepping stones, and as a lawn alternative in shaded areas. It is also used for erosion control on slopes due to its spreading growth habit.
Dwarf Mondo Growing Conditions
Sunlight: Thrives in partial to full shade.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil.
Watering: Requires moderate watering; keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Maintenance: Minimal upkeep; occasional division helps maintain its health.
Little Bluestem
Little Bluestem ‘Carousel’ is a compact, upright ornamental grass with blue-green foliage that turns a spectacular reddish-bronze in fall.
This native North American grass is highly valued for its adaptability and ability to support pollinators and wildlife.
Best Uses Of Little Bluestem
Perfect for native plant gardens, prairie-style landscapes, and wildlife-friendly gardens. It provides food and shelter for birds and beneficial insects.
Little Bluestem Growing Conditions
Sunlight: Requires full sun for the best color and form.
Soil: Adapts to well-drained sandy, loamy, or clay soil.
Watering: Highly drought-tolerant once established; water occasionally in extreme heat.
Maintenance: Cut back in late winter or early spring to promote fresh growth.
Mexican Feather Grass
Mexican Feather Grass is known for its fine, silky, thread-like foliage that flows beautifully in the wind.
It produces soft, feathery, greenish-gold seed heads in summer, creating a delicate, airy look.
Best Uses Of Mexican Feather Grass
Excellent for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and naturalized areas. It also works well in containers and can soften the edges of hardscape elements.
Mexican Feather Grass Growing Conditions
Sunlight: Full sun is best.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, dry to medium soil.
Watering: Very drought-tolerant; thrives in dry conditions.
Maintenance: Minimal care is required. Remember to remove spent seed heads to control spreading.
Dwarf Fountain Grass
Dwarf Fountain Grass is a compact, clump-forming ornamental grass known for its graceful, arching green foliage and soft, feathery, cream-colored flower plumes that emerge in late summer.
This versatile, low-maintenance grass provides year-round interest, with foliage that turns golden-brown in fall and persists through winter.
Best Uses Of Dwarf Fountain Grass
Great for borders, mass plantings, and container gardening. The feathery plumes add texture and movement to any garden setting.
Dwarf Fountain Grass Growing Conditions
Sunlight: Prefers full sun.
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil is ideal.
Watering: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established.
Maintenance: Cut back in late winter for a fresh flush of spring growth.
Black Mondo Grass
Black Mondo Grass is a unique, low-growing ornamental grass known for its striking deep purple-black, strap-like leaves.
This slow-spreading evergreen grass adds dramatic contrast to gardens and landscapes, especially when paired with lighter-colored plants.
In summer, it produces delicate pale lilac flowers, followed by small black berries in the fall.
Best Uses For Black Mondo Grass
Perfect for modern landscapes, edging, and as an accent plant in rock gardens.
Black Mondo Grass Growing Conditions
Sunlight: Partial shade to full sun.
Soil: Well-drained, organic-rich soil.
Watering: Moderate; prefers evenly moist soil.
Maintenance: Low maintenance with occasional trimming.
Prairie Dropseed
Prairie Dropseed is a fine-textured, clump-forming ornamental grass native to North America.
It features arching, narrow green leaves that turn a striking golden-orange in fall, adding seasonal interest to landscapes.
In late summer, it produces delicate, airy flower panicles with a unique fragrance, often described as a mix of coriander and popcorn.
Best Uses Of Prairie Dropseed
Great for native gardens and naturalized meadows.
Prairie Dropseed Growing Conditions
Sunlight: Full sun.
Soil: Well-drained, dry to medium soil.
Watering: Minimal water is needed once established.
Maintenance: Low maintenance; trim in early spring.
Final Thoughts
I love short ornamental grasses because they provide year-round beauty, requiring minimal maintenance.
Whether used for ground cover, borders, or decorative accents, these grasses can enhance any garden design with texture, movement, and seasonal interest.
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