Best Ornamental Grasses for Winter Interest: Expert Picks

Ornamental grasses are diverse and beautiful plants. Whether you’re obsessed with the native prairie grasses found in the United States like I am, or enjoy the lush green strands of Japanese forest grass further afield, grasses are a must-have for any space.

Providing both structure and texture, ornamental grasses can be used in a variety of ways, whether in meadow-like designs with a wild feel, or in modern gardens with straight plumes, providing form and style. Regardless of the cultivated grasses and any kind of planting, they also offer remarkable seasonality. Ornamental grasses come to life in fall and winter, taking on an array of golden hues to punctuate the winter landscape.

So if you’re looking to add some winter magic to your yard, ornamental grasses might be just the plants you need to grow. My advice: put the shredders back in the garden shed and let these dramatic plants shine in December and January. Here, I share with you five expert-approved herbs, including some of them the best native herbswhich will help keep your borders full of interest during the winter months.

The best ornamental grasses for winter interest

While golden blades of grass and dying seed heads swaying gently in the breeze can undeniably liven up borders and pots, letting ornamental grasses sit through winter also offers benefits beyond mere aesthetics. Grasses are a refuge for wildlife and provide shelter and food for birds, insects and small mammals. So for low maintenance wildlife garden ideasadd some of these ornamental grasses for winter interest in your plot.

1. Japanese forest grass

Japanese forest grass, Hakonechloa, with golden foliage

(Image credit: Getty Images/Jacky Parker Photography)

Japanese forest grass, or Hakonechloa macra, is a textural ornamental grass that is endemic to Japan. Considered one of the best plants for japanese gardensthis species has thick blades that form gentle mounds of cascading foliage.

As a former professional gardener I have grown this plant for many clients in London and can testify to its seasonal brilliance. Lime green in summer, golden-brown in winter – this is an ornamental plant that can provide year-round interest. Pruning is usually done in early spring, before new growth begins to bloom.

Grow the best from American Resistance Zone 5 TO American Resistance Area 9Japanese forest grass can be grown in borders or pots, preferring dappled rather than full shade, but will grow equally well in bright and sunny yards. In my experience this species does best in slightly moist soil like you would find in a forest.

Often used in small yards, terraces or roof gardens“Japanese forest grass is ideal for adding color, texture and sound to urban gardens,” says the New York-based garden designer. Dima Rumiantsev. “With an arching shape, Japanese forest grass turns from green to golden-brown hues in fall and winter, maintaining interest despite the cold weather.”

Starter plants of Japanese forest grass are available to order from Walmart.

Dima Rumiantsev

Dima Rumiantcev is a New York-based landscape designer and founder of the award-winning DiMastery Studio, specializing in transforming small-scale residential patios and backyards into beautiful and functional outdoor spaces, earning a degree in Landscape Architecture from the State Forestry Academy from Saint-Petersburg. With a deep understanding of horticulture, landscape architecture and design principles, Dima combines creativity with expertise to create stunning and sustainable gardens that reflect his unique visions.

2. Blue gram

Blue grama grass, Bouteloua gracilis, with golden seed heads in autumn and winter

(Image credit: Alamy/Botany vision)

Bouteloua gracilis, commonly known as blue grama grass, is an attractive native prairie plant found growing in the Great Plains and most of the Midwest. I have grown this North American native in the UK and although it is an attractive summer ornamental, the unusual comb or eyelash-like seed heads look particularly impressive in the autumn and winter months.

Grow the best from American Resistance Zone 3 In addition, this hardy grass prefers sunny places and is also remarkable drought tolerantit also thrives in meadow-like environments without supplemental watering in the summer.

— Native grasses, ca The bottlethey are certainly an ornamental and wildlife-friendly addition to any garden,’ he says Maya Argamannative plant expert and senior horticulture program coordinator at the California Native Plant Society. “Whether they are used as ground covers, groundcovers or perennials, grasses are plant powerhouses.”

Blue Grama grass seed is available to order from Walmart.

Maya Argaman

Maya is the Senior Horticulture Program Coordinator at the California Native Plant Society. He graduated from UC Davis with a degree in Environmental Science and Management, where he fell in love with native plants in both the natural and built environment.

3. Needle grass

Carex, needle grass, growing in a field

(Image credit: Getty Images/TassieKarin)

In order to native plant which is both versatile and low maintenance, Stipe, commonly called needle grass, is a good species to consider. Many native grasses, such as needle grass, can be “hardy and versatile,” tolerating hot summers and cold winters, “making them a hardy and reliable addition to gardens,” adds Maya.

As regards how to grow ornamental grassesneedle grass does best in open, sunny yards with plenty of sun, thriving from American Resistance Area 7 TO zone 10.

With over 300 species of Stipeyou’re sure to find one to suit your tastes and preferences, with varieties available from silvery greens to deep, rich tans. One of my favorites is the ‘Goldilocks’ variety, which combines green foliage with golden oat seeds that look just as striking in late summer as they do in winter.

Stipa seeds are available to order from Amazon.

4. Change the grass

Panicum grass growing in a meadow

(Image credit: Getty Images/Jacky Parker Photography)

Switchgrass, or Panicum virgatum, it is a tall, architectural grass with blue-green strands that turn crimson and orange in winter. Native to North America, it is found mostly in central grasslands and prairies. Switchgrass is both hardy and drought tolerant, growing well from Areas of resistance in the US 3 to 9.

If you are looking for ornamental grasses for privacyswitchgrass is a good option, with many varieties reaching over four or five feet. Come summer, large panicles of white and pink flowers open and will prove popular with local pollinators.

Allow these seed heads to mature, and despite the winter freeze, switchgrass will continue to provide interest in the yard.

Live Panicum plants are available from Amazon.

5. Feather reed grass

Calamagrostis acutiflora, feather reed-grass, in a garden border

(Image credit: Alamy/ Trevor Chriss)

Feathered reed grass, or Calamagrostis, it is known for its strong and straight habit, ideal if you want to incorporate plants to maximize the space upwards as part of your vertical garden ideas.

Native to Europe, feather reed grass exhibits remarkable resilience and seasonal interest, with its distinctive seed heads remaining upright during strong winds and rain during autumn and winter.

Grows best from US hardiness zone 5 to zone 9feather reed grass prefers sunny edges, tolerating most soil conditions, but thrives in rich, moist areas. It can grow up to five feet tall, so I would suggest planting it in the back of the border.

Live feather reed grass plants are available from Walmart.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the right time to plant grass in my yard?

Fall is an ideal time to plant ornamental grasses because the soil is both warm and moist. Because of this, plants can quickly establish and establish roots in your yard before cold weather sets in. Remember that most grasses thrive in sunny locations, so plant your grass in an open situation. It’s also a good idea to incorporate a one- to two-inch layer of mulch after planting to give your new grasses the best start.

Whatever grass you choose to grow, be sure to mulch in the fall and leave them standing in November, December and January. Although they may start to look faded and tired, the seed heads will provide interest in the winter months and the local wildlife will thank you too. In March, it’s a good idea to cut the grass down to an inch above the ground, ready for new growth to shoot in the spring.

For more inspiration, check out our guide how to grow japanese blood weedfor a purple species that will dazzle in your yard or check out our guide growing blue fescue grassfor a blue-green species that is evergreen in temperate regions, with attractive and unusual silvery foliage.