February – the ideal planting time for ornamental grasses. But don't be too hasty! There are species that prefer to thrive in the sun rather than partial shade or even shade. On the other hand, there are ornamental grasses that cannot cope with the blazing sun
Which ornamental grass grows in the shade?
Ornamental grasses that thrive in the shade include Japanese sedge, yellow-green garden sedge, bamboo, giant sedge, lawn sedge and various types of sedge such as bird's-foot sedge, crested sedge and forest sedge. They add color and structure to shady garden areas and are generally easy to care for and durable.
Shadow grasses and their properties
There are a whole range of ornamental grasses that also or particularly thrive in the shade, for example under trees or on the north side of the house. They are also known as shade grasses. The spectrum of their properties is diverse:
- carpet-like ground cover, hemispherical or arching-overhanging growth
- wide or narrow leaves
- green, white-variegated or yellow leaves
- evergreen or wintergreen
- suitable for groups or solitary planting
Colorful ornamental grasses for shade
The colorful ornamental grasses are extremely popular when it comes to planting in shaded areas. They bring light into the darkness. Recommended species include, for example, the Japanese sedge with its evergreen foliage, which, depending on the variety, can have a white edge. The yellow-green garden sedge also provides brightening accents in the shade.
Green-leaved ornamental grasses with tall growth
The green-leaved ornamental grasses that can thrive in the shade are not rare. The most prominent species include bamboo, giant sedge and turfgrass. They grow particularly high and are ideal as privacy screens, for example.
Sedges – the shade grasses par excellence
If you are undecided, you should take a closer look at sedges. This species is considered hardy and easy to care for. Many sedges can even tolerate high humidity or wet conditions. Most sedges also have good frost hardiness. Here are a few recommended examples for partial shade to shade:
- Bird's-foot sedge
- Crown sedge
- Mushroomhead sedge
- Dwarf sedge
- Mountain sedge
- Gold-edged sedge
- Forest sedge
These ornamental grasses are not suitable for shade
Under no circumstances should you plant these ornamental grasses, which require a lot of sunlight to grow, in shady areas:
- miscanthus
- Pampas grass
- Pennisetum grass
- Indian grass
- Diamondgrass
- Silver Eargrass
- Turtle millet
- Blue Fescue
Tip
You can even put the small shade grasses in a pot on a shady balcony or terrace. Most other plants usually have a hard time there.
