Can you recommend an ornamental grass that I can grow in the shade?
One of the great challenges of gardening comes when we fall in love with a family of plants that doesn't grow in the conditions available in our yards.
Grasses, whether ornamental or turf, love the sun and, try as you might, you'll have a hard time giving them too much of it.
You can, however, give them too little. I'd be surprised if there are any members of this family that will grow in total shade, so your garden will need to have at least a few hours of sunlight every day in order to support even the most shade-tolerant grass species. Better yet, if you have a spot that receives dappled or filtered light for most of the day, you'll greatly increase your chances for success.
Korean feather reed grass (Calamagrostis brachytricha) is an elegant clumping grass that happily grows in fairly shady locations. Its showy flower heads persist into winter, which makes it an excellent specimen for the autumn garden.
Northern sea oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) possess what can best be described as bamboo-like leaves, but by far their finest feature is their really cool looking seedheads, which start to form in late summer. They can be harvested for cut flower arrangements or left standing in the garden. Either way, they make for a nice conversation piece.
The botanical name of wavy hair-grass (Deschampia flexuosa 'Aurea') suggests that its leaves are golden (aurea=gold), but this grass is probably better described as day-glo green, especially in spring. If you want to brighten up a dark corner, this grass will surely do it. Plant it in groups to show off the brilliance of its foliage to the greatest effect.
Although known for its bright gold and green leaves, golden foxtail grass (Alopecurus pratensis 'Aureovariegatus') tends to lose some of its yellow colour when planted in a shady location, but is still quite showy, particularly in spring when its leaves are at their brightest.
There are several sedges (Carex spp.) you may want to try, but keep in mind that they are considered to be half-hardy in this area and will need to be planted in a protected location and well mulched if they are to stand a chance of making it through the winter. Among the nicest are C. oshimensis 'Evergold', C. morrowii 'Variegata' and C. morrowii 'Ice Dance'. All three have striking variegated foliage, which makes the risk well worth it.
If you have any questions or comments, please send them to me at vanessa@gardenmuse.ca.
