No plants have so much movement and texture, or interest throughout the year, as ornamental grasses. Whether you need extreme architectural shapes or tender plumes to be upmarket, there is a grass to fit every location.
A native plant of New Zealand called Anemanthele lessoniana is one of the unique plants that can shine in the sunlight. To find out how to select and take care of such grass, consult The Plant Company, a reliable gardener. Their wise tips and selection of good plants make it simple to create fabulous outdoor settings.
These are some of your best grasses to liven up your garden:
1. Wind Tussock (Anemanthele Lessoniana)
A native gem known also as hunang a moho, this one is a show stopper with its fine, arching leaves that go green to warm coppers and bronzes.
- Grows well in sun or shade, but more sun brings out the bright colours.
- Reaches up to 1m in height, and the flower heads another 0.5m.
- Tough and resilient, suitable for open, beach, or dry gardens.
Bonus: Their flower heads make exquisite additions to floral decorations.
2. Lime Tuff (Lomandra Longifolia)
Year-round lushness is possible with this sturdy Australian native.
- Lime-green foliage is evergreen.
- Once established, these gardens are drought-resistant and ideal for low maintenance.
- Beautifully used as a substitute lawn or edging plant.
3. Japanese Silver Grass (Miscanthus Sinensis ‘Gracillimus’)
Trim and majestic, this grass provides height and fluffy texture.
- Fine foliage with silvery tassel-like flowers.
- The autumn brings a really beautiful bronze colour.
- Ideal in larger gardens as it can grow to 1.8m tall.
4. Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium Latifolium)
This grass can start a conversation due to its distinctive hanging seed heads.
- Triangular, flat seed heads give it a whimsical look.
- Shade preferably dappled, but tolerates many conditions.
- Good to push shadows.
5. Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’)
This grass has vertical appeal, and landscape designers love it.
- Mauve plumes wear to a pale yellow.
- Low-care, drought-resistant.
- Ideal to form natural drifts in gardens.
6. Quaking Grass (Briza Media)
The seed heads are delicate, lantern-like beauties in the wind, and a pleasure to the eye.
- Fine and pretty, and fit in a cottage garden.
- Grows in full sun or part shade.
- Once established, drought-resistant.
7. Mutton Bird Sedge (Carex Trifida)
An unruly but handsome plant out of dry shade.
- Evergreen blue-tinged foliage and caramel spikes.
- Vine-like and superb ground cover.
- Absorbs shade and sun.
8. Angel’s Fishing Rod (Dierama Pulcherrimum)
It is not a grass, in fact, but its elegant nature makes it quite suited for such a list.
- Bell-shaped blossoms hang on thin stems.
- Completes sunny borders.
- Once established, drought-tolerant.
9. Japanese Blood Grass (Imperata Cylindrica ‘Red Baron’)
This fiery grass is a colourful pop.
- Green leaves turn deep red.
- Front of border – compact size (50cm).
- Likes moisture, well-drained soil.
10. Oioi (Apodasmia Similis)
An indigenous rush of a brilliant architectural allure.
- Banded brown to provide interest to grey-green stems.
- Grows in the sea but will adjust to gardens.
- Great for contemporary or wild scenes.
Final Thoughts
They could be as feathery as an Anemanthele lessoniana or as showy as a Red Baron; grasses have limitless potential to brighten up your garden. The Plant Company can assist you in choosing the right varieties to fill your area.
