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Ornamental Grasses For Shade - A List for Light Shade

© Marge Talt

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This is the last article in this series on ornamental grasses. Except for Leymus arenarius 'Glaucus', I don't have any personal experience with the following grasses listed as either preferring or tolerating light shade, particularly in hotter climates. As I've said before, if one of them appeals to you, give it a try. You'll never know until you grow!

• Calamagrostis arundinacea var. brachytricha, unlike most of the reed grasses, performs well in light shade. It does best in moist, fertile soil in full sun but in hot climates needs light or afternoon shade. USDA zones 5-9.

• Cyperus spp., the umbrella sedges are for warm climates since they're rated hardy only in USDA zones 9 to 10. They prefer damp shady places near openings in woods. Light shade to half day sun; constant moisture and high humidity; will also grow in shallow water or bog gardens.

• Deschampsia caespitosa, tufted hairgrass, takes a fair amount of shade; USDA zones 4 to 9. Found in meadows, wet areas and woods. While they will grow in deep shade, they may fail to bloom well. Does best in moist, rich soil and light shade, especially in hot climates where full sun will often burn the foliage.

  Elymus arenarius 'Glaucus', or, I believe, more properly Leymus arenarius 'Glaucus', and often mislabeled Elymus glaucus - blue lyme grass will grow in just about any soil. It really prefers full sun, but if you live in a warm climate, it will take light shade. I grow this one, but it's in one of my sunnier spots so I cannot verify how well it will do in part shade. Be aware that this one is a fairly rampant spreader, especially in light soil. Even so, I wouldn't be without it because of the lovely blue foliage.

  
  

• Equisetum hyemale, the scouring rush is a plant for wet places and sun. But it is said to tolerate considerable shade and be somewhat less vigorous in deeper shade. This is a very rampant plant, so be warned in case you are taken by its nifty foliage. I would not recommend putting it in a naturally boggy area or near a wetland. It also makes a good pot plant. Hardy from USDA zones 4 to 10.

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