A wooden bridge over a calm body of water, surrounded by lush green trees and plants, with a weeping willow tree hanging over the scene.
A lush green garden with various leafy plants, trees, and a black wooden fence in the background. There are three large weathered ceramic garden urns and two modern outdoor chairs with wooden frames and woven seats, along with small tables, on a paved pathway.
Wooden bench with carved spiral designs on the backrest, set outdoors in front of dense green leafy bushes.

Dream it

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Dream it 〰️

10 Best Grasses for Pacific Northwest Gardens

A garden bed with tall beige ornamental grasses and purple flowering plants in front of a sidewalk and trees in the background.
A garden bed with tall beige ornamental grasses and purple flowering plants in front of a sidewalk and trees in the background.
A large bush of green ornamental grass growing on a cobblestone surface with a hedge in the background.
A large bush of green ornamental grass growing on a cobblestone surface with a hedge in the background.

Grasses Growth Habit Sun/Shade Mature Size Special Features

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass Upright, narrow clump Full sun to part shade 4 -6’ H × 2-3’ W One of the best vertical accents; stands through winter

Northwind Switch Grass ‍ ‍ Upright clump Full sun 4-6’ H × 2-3’ W Blue-green foliage turns golden-yellow in fall; excellent structure.

Japanese Forest Grass Cascading, mounding Part shade to shade 2-18” H × 18-24” W Graceful foliage; one of the best ornamental grasses for shade.

Blue Oat Grass‍ ‍ Dense clump Full sun 2-3’ H × 2-3’ W Striking steel-blue foliage year-round.

Little Bluestem ‍ ‍ Upright clump Full sun 2-4’ H × 1-2’ W Exceptional orange, copper, and red fall color.

Japanese Blood Grass Clumping Full sun to part shade 2-18” H × 12-18” W Brilliant red-tipped foliage from summer into fall.

Tufted Hair Grass ‍ ‍ Soft clump Sun to part shade 2-4’ H × 2-3’ W Pacific Northwest native; airy flower heads.

Mexican Feather Grass Fine-textured mound Full sun 8-24” H × 18-24” W Moves beautifully in the wind; soft texture.

Prairie Dropseed ‍ ‍ Rounded mound Full sun 2-3’ H × 2-3’ W Fine texture; fragrant flower plumes; excellent fall color.

Evergold Sedge ‍ ‍ Arching evergreen clump Part shade to shade 2-8” H × 18-24” W Bright variegated foliage; evergreen in mild PNW winters.

Close-up of red and green ornamental grass plants in a garden.
Decorative grass plants by a sidewalk with green shrubbery in the background.