Ornamental grasses have become increasingly popular in modern landscaping, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. Among their many advantages, these versatile plants excel at suppressing weeds, making them an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens.
These grasses are resistant to many insect pests and diseases and can thrive in various soil conditions.1 Their dense root systems and lush foliage effectively crowd out unwanted invaders.
With these 15 ornamental grasses in your landscape, you can create a beautiful, low-effort garden that naturally combats weeds.
1. Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis)
Maiden grass is a tall, graceful ornamental that adds drama to any garden. Its arching leaves and feathery plumes create a stunning visual display, especially when backlit by the sun.
This versatile grass thrives in various conditions and provides year-round interest.
Planting guide:
- Plant in full sun to partial shade
- Space plants 3-4 feet apart
- Water regularly until established
- Cut back in late winter or early spring
2. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
Switchgrass is a native North American grass known for its durability and adaptability. It forms upright clumps with airy panicles that dance in the breeze. This grass is not only excellent for weed suppression but also provides food and shelter for wildlife.
Planting guide:
- Choose a sunny location
- Plant in well-draining soil
- Space plants 2-3 feet apart
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
3. Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides)
Fountain grass is beloved for its fountain-like appearance and soft, fuzzy seedheads. This compact grass is perfect for smaller gardens or as a border plant.
Its dense growth habit effectively crowds out weeds while adding texture and movement to the landscape.
Planting guide:
- Plant in full sun to light shade
- Provide well-draining soil
- Space plants 2-3 feet apart
- Cut back in late winter before new growth emerges
4. Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca)
Blue fescue is a compact, mounding grass with striking blue-gray foliage. Its small size makes it ideal for rock gardens, edging, or as a ground cover. This drought-tolerant grass forms tight clumps that leave little room for weeds to take hold.
Planting guide:
- Plant in full sun for best color
- Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart
- Divide clumps every 2-3 years to rejuvenate
5. Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
Little bluestem is a native prairie grass that offers multi-season interest. Its blue-green summer foliage transforms into stunning shades of copper and red in fall.
This grass is not only effective at suppressing weeds but also provides a habitat for birds and butterflies.
Planting guide:
- Choose a sunny, well-draining location
- Plant in poor to average soil
- Space plants 18-24 inches apart
- Leave standing through winter for visual interest and wildlife benefits
6. Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra)
Japanese forest grass is a shade-loving ornamental that brings a touch of elegance to woodland gardens. Its graceful, arching leaves create a cascading effect that’s perfect for suppressing weeds in shady areas.
This slow-growing grass is low-maintenance once established.
Planting guide:
- Plant in partial to full shade
- Provide rich, moist soil
- Space plants 18-24 inches apart
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years in spring
7. Purple Moor Grass (Molinia caerulea)
Purple moor grass is a European native that forms neat clumps of narrow leaves. Its tall, airy flower spikes add vertical interest to the garden.
This grass is particularly effective at suppressing weeds in moist areas, making it ideal for rain gardens or pond edges.
Planting guide:
- Plant in full sun to partial shade
- Provide consistently moist soil
- Space plants 2-3 feet apart
- Cut back in late winter or early spring
8. Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora)
Feather reed grass is a striking ornamental known for its upright growth habit. Its feathery plumes emerge early in the season and persist well into winter.
This grass forms dense clumps that effectively crowd out weeds while adding structure to the garden.
Planting guide:
- Plant in full sun for best performance
- Provide well-draining soil
- Space plants 2-3 feet apart
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
9. Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella tenuissima)
Mexican feather grass is a fine-textured ornamental that creates a soft, billowing effect in the garden. Its thread-like leaves catch the light and sway in the slightest breeze.
This drought-tolerant grass is excellent for suppressing weeds in dry, sunny areas.
Planting guide:
- Plant in full sun
- Ensure excellent drainage
- Space plants 18-24 inches apart
- Cut back in late winter to rejuvenate
10. Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)
Northern sea oats is a unique ornamental grass with flat, dangling seedheads that resemble oats. It’s an excellent choice for shady areas where many other grasses struggle. This grass spreads by rhizomes, effectively suppressing weeds over time.
Planting guide:
- Plant in partial to full shade
- Provide moist, rich soil
- Space plants 2-3 feet apart
- Remove seedheads before they drop to prevent self-seeding
11. Giant Sacaton (Sporobolus wrightii)
Giant sacaton is a robust, native grass that forms large, dense clumps. Its impressive size and thick growth habit make it excellent for weed suppression in larger areas.
This drought-tolerant grass produces tall, airy plumes that add movement and texture to the landscape.
Planting guide:
- Plant in full sun
- Provide well-draining soil
- Space plants 3-4 feet apart
- Cut back in late winter or early spring
12. Tufted Hair Grass (Deschampsia cespitosa)
Tufted hair grass is a delicate-looking ornamental that forms neat, mounding clumps. Its fine-textured foliage is topped with airy, shimmering flower panicles. This versatile grass is effective at suppressing weeds in both sun and partial shade.
Planting guide:
- Plant in full sun to partial shade
- Provide consistently moist soil
- Space plants 18-24 inches apart
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
13. Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis)
Prairie dropseed is a native grass that forms fine-textured, fountain-like mounds. Its delicate flowers emit a subtle fragrance reminiscent of popcorn. This drought-tolerant grass is excellent for suppressing weeds in prairie-style gardens or naturalized areas.
Planting guide:
- Plant in full sun
- Provide well-draining soil
- Space plants 2-3 feet apart
- Leave standing through winter for visual interest and wildlife benefits
14. Blue Oat Grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens)
Blue oat grass is a striking ornamental with intense blue-gray foliage. It forms neat, spiky mounds that add texture and color to the garden. This drought-tolerant grass is particularly effective at suppressing weeds in rock gardens or xeriscape designs.
Planting guide:
- Plant in full sun for best color
- Ensure excellent drainage
- Space plants 18-24 inches apart
- Remove dead foliage in early spring to maintain appearance
15. Korean Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis brachytricha)
Korean feather reed grass is a graceful ornamental that excels at weed suppression in partially shaded areas. Its arching foliage and fluffy, pink-tinged plumes create a soft, romantic effect in the garden. This grass is more shade-tolerant than many other ornamentals, making it versatile for various landscape settings.
Planting guide:
- Plant in full sun to partial shade
- Provide moist, well-draining soil
- Space plants 2-3 feet apart
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
By incorporating these ornamental grasses into your landscape, you’ll not only create a beautiful, low-maintenance garden but also effectively suppress weeds. Choose grasses that suit your specific growing conditions and garden style for the best results.
With proper care, these grasses will provide years of enjoyment and weed-free beauty.
Source:
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.