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Ornamental Grasses That Thrive in Partial Shade

While most grasses prefer full sun, several tolerate or even thrive in part shade.

Northern sea oats (Chasmanthium latifolium), bottlebrush grass (Hystrix patula), variegated hakone grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’), and ribbon grass (Phalaris arundinacea) are well-adapted to shade. Blue fescue (Festuca glauca) and most Miscanthus grow well with several hours of direct sun daily. Expanding to grasslike plants opens more options: most sedges (Carex) grow well in shade, as do lilyturf (Liriope), mondo grass (Ophiopogon), and hairy wood rush (Luzula acuminata).

Flowes Articles: Roses for Partial Shade: Hybrid Musk Varieties for 4 Hours Sun; Groundcovers for Deep Shade Under Trees: Beyond Grass; Best Grass for Shady New Lawns: Regional Recommendations; Ornamental Grasses: Texture, Movement, and Low-Maintenance Beauty; Ornamental Grass 101: Choosing, Planting, and Maintaining Grasses; Ornamental Grasses: Adding Texture and Movement to Your Landscape; Ornamental Grasses for Every Garden Niche; Garden Plans for Partial Shade: Vegetables That Grow in Less Sun; How to Grow Ornamental Grass; Plants Called Grasses That Aren't True Grasses

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