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Four Grassy Options for the Shade

Gardening by the Yard : Episode GBY-1310 -- More Projects »
Here are four shade-loving, grasslike plants that can be added to a shady nook in the garden.
PHOTO

Figure A


  • Japanese sweet flag (Acorus gramineus) tolerates well-draining to wet soils. 'Ogon' (figure A) is a golden selection that brightens up shady spots in the garden. Japanese sweet flag is hardy to USDA Zone 5 and evergreen in warmer climates.
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    Figure B
  • The blue-gray sedge known as Carex glauca (figure B) also tolerates wet soils but has good drought tolerance too, which means it grows just about anywhere. Hardy to USDA Zone 4, it reaches eight inches tall and maintains a compact growth habit.
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    Figure C

  • Orange New Zealand sedge (Carex testacea) (figure C) is only hardy to USDA Zone 6 and is beautiful, especially in fall when it turns bright orange. At other times of the year, its olive-green foliage has hints of copper. It grows two feet tall and wide.
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    Figure D
  • Carex 'Sparkler' (figure D) has interesting white-variegated foliage and does well in partial to full shade. Hardy in USDA Zones 7 to 10, it grows to about two feet tall and wide.
    • Also in this Episode
    Gardening by the Yard : Episode GBY-1310
    •North-Facing Garden
    •Coleus Basics
    •Sedum and Other Succulents
    •Four Grassy Options for the Shade
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