Ornamental grasses are valued for their texture, movement, and structural interest in the landscape. While most grasses prefer open, sunny environments, a select group tolerates lower light conditions. Successfully incorporating ornamental grasses into shaded areas requires understanding which varieties are best suited for reduced light and adjusting cultivation practices.
Distinguishing Between Types of Shade
The term “shade” is a spectrum of light intensities that dictates plant growth.
Partial Shade
Partial Shade, sometimes called part sun, means a location receives three to six hours of direct sunlight daily, ideally during the morning. This light level is often sufficient for many sun-loving grasses to survive, though they may not flourish vigorously.
Filtered Shade
Filtered Shade, also known as dappled shade, occurs when sunlight is broken up by the leaves of an overhead tree canopy or a lattice structure. This diffused light shifts throughout the day, preventing intense, direct sun exposure.
Deep Shade
Deep Shade, or full shade, is the most challenging condition, defined by receiving less than three hours of direct sunlight. This is often found on the north side of a building or beneath a dense evergreen tree. Plants in deep shade rely heavily on ambient light reflected from surrounding surfaces for photosynthesis.
Recommended Ornamental Grass Varieties for Low Light
The Japanese Forest Grass, Hakonechloa macra, is one of the most reliable ornamental grasses for low-light gardens, preferring partial or filtered shade. This species forms graceful, cascading mounds of foliage, typically reaching 12 to 18 inches tall and 12 to 24 inches wide. Cultivars like ‘All Gold’ or ‘Aureola’ feature bright chartreuse or variegated foliage that can brighten dim areas. These cultivars generally require some filtered light to maintain their vibrant coloration.
Many plants referred to as ornamental grasses are actually sedges from the genus Carex, which are visually similar and highly shade-tolerant. Carex pensylvanica, known as Pennsylvania Sedge, is a fine-textured, low-growing species that forms a soft, semi-evergreen groundcover, reaching 6 to 12 inches in height. Another option is Carex morrowii ‘Ice Dance’, a clumping sedge offering striking white and green variegated foliage that thrives in moist, shady spots.
For a taller, more upright specimen, River Oats, Chasmanthium latifolium, is a deciduous grass adapted to moist, shaded woodland edges. This species can grow up to four feet tall, producing distinctive, flattened seed heads that persist into the winter.
Cultivation Adjustments for Shade
Growing ornamental grasses in low light requires specific modifications to standard cultivation practices, primarily centered on managing moisture and nutrition.
Moisture Management
In shaded environments, the rate of water evaporation is significantly slower, increasing the risk of root rot for grasses. Ensure the planting site has excellent drainage and reduce the frequency of watering compared to sun-exposed areas.
Fertilization
Fertilization requires careful adjustment, as grasses in shade grow more slowly and utilize fewer nutrients. Applying too much fertilizer, especially high-nitrogen formulas, can lead to weak, floppy growth susceptible to pests and disease. A slow-release, low-nitrogen product, or a reduction of 25 to 50 percent of the recommended dose, supports steady growth without causing elongation.
Aesthetic Changes
Aesthetic outcomes change when grasses are moved from sun to shade. Variegated cultivars often exhibit less intense coloring in deep shade because light is required for full pigmentation. The foliage may appear greener than expected, and the grasses will typically produce fewer flowers or seed heads than their sun-grown counterparts.