The 23 Best Ornamental Grasses for Zone 6

Ornamental grasses add elegance, texture, and movement to landscapes across the globe. Zone 6 presents a unique canvas for these versatile plants to flourish. Explore 23 of the best ornamental grasses for Zone 6 and discover resilient and captivating grasses that not only survive but thrive in this temperate zone. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just beginning to cultivate your green oasis, this guide will introduce you to an array of ornamental grasses that will redefine and elevate your garden’s aesthetic. 

Zone 6 Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 6 boasts a unique blend of climate, characteristics, and soil types that shape the horticultural possibilities of the region. Spanning most of the Central and Eastern United States, Zone 6 has moderate to cold winters, making it essential for gardeners to select plant varieties that can withstand frost and snowfall. 

In contrast, the region also experiences warm summers, providing the ideal conditions for many plants to flourish. The diversity of Zone 6’s soil types further adds to its appeal, ranging from loamy soils in the Midwest to well-draining sandy soils along coastal areas. Gardeners in Zone 6 can leverage this diverse climate and soil palette to cultivate a wide range of plant species, including ornamental grasses, to create stunning landscapes that evolve with the seasons. 

23 Best Ornamental Grasses

1. Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca)

Known for its striking blue-gray foliage and compact, clumping habit, blue fescue produces fine-textured and narrow leaves that create a soft, tufted appearance. The ornamental grass reaches up to 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide. It tolerates cold weather and winter conditions and is incredibly deer-resistant. The grass retains its blue color throughout the year, providing visual interest in the winter months.  

Blue fescue thrives in full sun to light shade. However, the hardy perennial produces its most vibrant blue color in full sun conditions. Cultivars prefer well-draining soil with good aeration and are relatively drought-tolerant. They are low-maintenance and do not require frequent pruning or watering. However, occasional trimming of dead foliage helps blue fescue maintain its neat appearance. Plant blue fescue in rock gardens, borders, and as ground cover. The grass also pairs well with other ornamental grasses, perennials, and succulents. 

2. Blue Lyme Grass (Leymus arenarius)

Blue lyme grass is named for its striking blue-green foliage, which provides a cool and refreshing appearance in the garden. This perennial is salat-tolerant and well-adapted to coastal areas but also cold-hardy. Similarly, it can withstand strong winds and salt spray and reaches up to 3 feet tall and wide, giving it a substantial garden presence. 

Cultivars prefer full sun to partial shade but display their best foliage in full sun. They grow well in a range of soil types, including sandy soils. Blue lyme grass is drought-tolerant once established and provides habitat and natural cover for wildlife. The grass is relatively low-maintenance. Plant blue lyme grass in coastal gardens as tall background screening specimens. It is also commonly used in dune stabilization projects thanks to its erosion control properties. 

3. Blue Oat Grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens)

Another popular blue-hued grass, blue oat grass, produces unique steel-blue foliage. The grass has a graceful, fountain-like growth habit, and its long, narrow leaves arch elegantly. Specimens grow to 3 feet with clumping growth habits that create distinctive mound shapes. Blue oat grass is cold-hardy but prefers full sun. 

The perennial thrives in well-drained soil and is relatively drought-tolerant. It is a versatile grass used in various garden settings. Grow blue oat grass as a focal point in mixed borders, mass plantings, and rock gardens. Like blue fescue, this variety also retains its blue-gray foliage year-round. Blue oat grass is low-maintenance and deer-resistant. It also pairs well with other grasses and perennials to create dynamic textural contrasts in your landscape. 

4. Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis acutiflora)

The bright green foliage of feather reed grass turns golden in the fall. However, this is not the main attraction of the ornamental cultivar. The standout feature of feather reed grass is its feathery flower plumes that appear in late spring to early summer. The plumes start green and gradually turn tan, creating a beautiful display that lasts into the winter months. 

Feather reed grass has an upright growth habit, reaching up to 5 feet tall and forming dense clumps that are 3 feet wide. It is adaptable to a range of climates and handles both hot summers and cold winters. It also thrives in a range of light conditions and soil types, including clay and sand. The low-maintenance grass provides a year-round visual appeal. Plant the deer-resistant specimens as vertical accents, backdrops, mass plantings, privacy screens, and windbreaks. 

5. Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides)

Gardeners cherish fountain grass for its graceful, arching growth habit and attractive, bottlebrush-like flower heads. It produces deep green foliage that forms dense, fountain-like clumps, providing a cascading appearance. However, it also produces bottlebrush flower heads in shades of pink or purple from late summer to early fall, though they can persist into winter. 

Fountain grass’ evergreen foliage provides year-round interest, and specimens reach up to 4 feet tall and wide. It is heat-tolerant and cold-hardy and loves full sun and well-drained soil. It is also drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and low-maintenance. Plant fountain grass in borders, mixed perennial beds, rock gardens, and containers. 

6. Giant Feather Grass (Stipa gigantea)

Also known as golden oats, this magnificent ornamental grass towers to impressive heights, reaching up to 7 feet tall and wide to create a dramatic and commanding landscape presence. It produces bright green foliage that forms a dense, fountain-like clump. The ornamental grass also produces golden flower plumes in the late spring to early summer. 

Giant feather grass prefers well-draining soil and tolerates hot, sunny conditions. Additionally, full sun maximizes the ornamental’s growth potential. It is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Because of its height and architectural form, giant feather grass works well as a focal point, backdrop, or large border plant. 

7. Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans)

This native North American grass has distinctive ornamental qualities and ecological value. Indian grass produces bright green foliage that transitions to attractive shades of bronze or copper in the fall. It reaches up to 6 feet tall and wide. Specimens also produce feathery flower plumes in the late summer to early fall. The plumes rise above the foliage, creating an airy effect. Additionally, its seeds provide a valuable food source for local wildlife while its blooms attract local pollinators. 

Indian grass provides year-round interest. The low-maintenance grass grows best in full sun but tolerates light shade. It adapts to a range of soils and is somewhat drought-tolerant. Plant Indian grass in naturalized landscapes, prairie restorations, and meadow gardens. Additionally, its upright growth habit and attractive foliage make it an excellent choice for adding height and texture to naturalistic plantings. 

8. Japanese Blood Grass (Imperata cylindrica)

Japanese blood grass, also known as red baron, is a striking ornamental grass with vibrant red foliage and a dramatic appearance. Its grass blades start green and gradually turn shades of fiery red, resembling a bloody appearance. Furthermore, the red foliage intensifies in color as the summer progresses. Japanese blood grass grows up to 2 feet tall and wide and forms compact clumps. 

This grass prefers full sun. It is cold-hardy. However, it may benefit from winter protection in the northernmost areas of Zone 6. Japanese blood grass loves well-draining soil and is drought-tolerant. It is also deer-resistant and low-maintenance. Plant red baron in borders or containers to create a stunning contrast with green foliage in mixed plantings. 

9. Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra)

Also known as heaven grass and another graceful and elegant variety, Japanese forest grass is fine-textured with cascading foliage. It produces slender, bright green blades that arch gracefully, creating a weeping appearance. It is fairly compact, only reaching up to 18 inches tall and wide, with a mounding growth habit. 

Japanese forest grass thrives in mild climates like Zone 6 and prefers partial to full shade. It grows well in moist, organic soil but tolerates drought once established. It is an ideal choice for shade gardens. Plant specimens as ground cover beneath trees or shrubs or as a border plant for low-maintenance softness and movement. 

10. Korean Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis brachytricha)

Native to Korea, Korean feather reed grass produces feathery flower plumes and has an attractive, clumping growth habit. Its foliage is green and dense, while its flower plumes appear in late summer to early fall. The plumes are pink to rose-colored and rise above its foliage. Korean reed grass grows up to 3 feet tall and wide in neat clumps. 

The grass prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It is also relatively drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Korean feather reed grass is a versatile addition to any garden. Plant specimens in mixed perennial borders, as specimen plants, or as backdrops for an ethereal landscape effect. 

11. Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

North American native little bluestem produces stunning fall colors for multi-season interest. It reaches heights up to 4 feet tall and wide and forms upright clumps. The perennial produces blue-green to silver-blue foliage, which turns shades of orange, red, and bronze in the fall. Little bluestem also provides winter interest with its seed heads that attract native wildlife. 

The grass thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. It is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. It also has a fibrous root system that is effective for erosion control. Plant little bluestem in prairie settings, native gardens, and naturalized landscapes. 

12. Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Flamingo’)

Also known as Chinese silver grass, maiden grass is graceful and arching, producing fine-textured foliage and attractive plumes. The perennial features narrow, green leaves that form dense clumps and provide an elegant backdrop for its plumes. Maiden grass also produces attractive flowers in the late summer to early fall. They are silver-white and rise about its foliage. 

Maiden grass grows to 6 feet tall and wide and prefers full sun. It adapts to different soil types so long as the soil is well-draining. It is drought-tolerant and also low-maintenance. Maiden grass is versatile. Plant specimens in mixed borders or as privacy screens. 

13. Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella tenuissima)

Gardeners cherish Mexican feather grass for its fine, feathery foliage and airy seeds. It produces vivid green foliage that forms billowing, arching clumps. Additionally, its foliage turns golden in the fall. Specimens also produce delicate, airy seed heads in the late spring to early summer. The seed heads sway gracefully in the breeze, adding movement and visual interest to your garden. 

Mexican feather grass has a short, mounding growth habit, only reaching up to 2 feet. It tolerates cool winters but thrives in full sun. Specimens grow best in well-draining soil and are low-maintenance. Plant Mexican feather grass in mixed borders, rock gardens, and containers to add a delicate appearance to your garden. 

14. Monkey Grass (Liriope muscari)

Monkey grass is a popular ornamental perennial with a compact growth habit. It is heat-tolerant and cold-hardy. Specimens produce narrow, arching leaves that are typically dark green. They also produce small, lavender to purple, lily-like flowers on upright stems for a subtle splash of color. The grass reaches up to 18 inches tall and wide. 

Monkey grass loves partial to full shade. However, it will tolerate the morning sun. It also loves well-draining soil and is drought-tolerant once established. Monkey grass provides year-round interest and is low-maintenance. It is deer- and rabbit-resistant. Plant the perennial as ground cover and borders. 

15. Moor Grass (Molinia caerulea)

Moor grass is another fine-textured ornamental grass with an upright growth habit. It produces bright green to blue-green foliage. Its foliage is also narrow and arches gracefully in dense clumps. Specimens grow to 4 feet tall and wide. They are cold-hardy and also produce delicate flower stems with airy seeds in the late summer to early fall. 

Moor grass prefers full sun and well-draining soil. However, it adapts to most soil types. It is moderately drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Plant the versatile grass in mixed perennial borders, naturalized landscapes, and as accent plants to bring elegant movement to your outdoor space. 

16. Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)

Northern sea oats, also known as inland sea oats or wild sea oats, are a North American native with a unique appearance and adaptability. It reaches up to 4 feet tall and produces bright green, bamboo-like foliage that arches gracefully. Additionally, Northern sea oats also produce flat, oat-like seed heads in the late summer to early fall. The seed head turns from green to bronze, bringing year-round interest to landscapes. 

The ornamental grass prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial to full shade. However, specimens can tolerate some morning sun. They are low-maintenance but not particularly drought-tolerant. Plant northern sea oats in woodland gardens, naturalized landscapes, and as ground cover beneath trees and shrubs. The perennial provides food and cover for animals and local wildlife, supporting native ecosystems. 

17. Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana)

Known for its dramatic plumes and large, fountain-like growth habit, pampas grass produces long, narrow, blue-green leaves that form dense clumps. Specimens reach up to 12 feet tall and wide. They also produce fluffy, silky-white, or pinkish plumes of flowers in the late summer to early fall. Its plumes rise above its foliage and persist into the winter. 

Pampas grass self-seeds and spreads rapidly. It is well-suited to Zone 6. However, it is invasive in more mild regions and zones. The perennial is high-maintenance and requires regular pruning. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Plant pampas grass as a focal point, in large borders, as a privacy screen or windbreak, and in coastal landscapes. Specimens are not drought tolerant, but they are incredibly salt-tolerant. 

18. Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)

Wispy, airy pink inflorescences and fine-textured foliage grace pink muhly grass. It is a favorite among gardeners for its visual appeal and adaptability. Cultivars produce narrow, fine-textured green foliage that forms a dense mound. They also produce billowy, pinkish-purple to rosy-pink flower plumes that emerge in the late summer to early fall. 

Pink muhly grass grows in low, mounding clumps up to 3 feet tall and wide. It loves well-draining soils and is drought-tolerant once established. The grass also loves full sun and requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Muhly grass is low-maintenance and deer-resistant. Plant specimens in mixed borders or mass plantings for a striking visual impact with its airy pink plumes. 

19. Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis)

Native to North America, prairie dropseed produces fine-textured foliage. It has a graceful growth habit, forming low mounds or tufts. Specimens only reach up to 3 feet tall and wide. They have a pleasant, sweet smell and narrow, bright green leaves. They also produce delicate seed heads in the late summer to early fall. The seed heads have a unique arching structure. 

Prairie dropseed is heat-tolerant and cold-hardy. It is also low-maintenance and provides numerous wildlife benefits, including cover and habitat for small animals. It is also the host plant for several butterfly species. Prairie dropseed grows best in full sun and well-draining soil. Plant specimens in native landscapes, rock gardens, and mixed borders. 

20. Ribbon Grass (Phalaris arundinacea ‘Picta’)

The Picta cultivar of ribbon grass is a striking ornamental grass known for its variegated foliage and clumping growth habit. Its leaves feature green and white stripes that create a ribbon-like pattern. While the grass only reaches up to 3 feet tall and wide, it has a vigorous growth habit and spreads rapidly and aggressively in some conditions thanks to underground rhizomes. 

Picta ribbon grass prefers partial shade but tolerates full sun. It also prefers well-draining soil and is moderately drought-tolerant. Ribbon grass is low-maintenance and deer-resistant. Plant specimens in mixed borders, ground cover, and containers to control the spread. 

21. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

Another North American native, switchgrass, is a warm-season grass with popularity as an ornamental plant. It has green foliage that varies from light to blue-green. Specimens produce tall, feathery flowers in the late summer to early fall. Switchgrass reaches up to 6 feet tall and wide. It is also cold-hardy and heat- and drought-tolerant thanks to deep roots. 

Switchgrass thrives in full sun. It tolerates partial sun conditions, but specimens need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Switchgrass grows best in well-draining soil but adapts to most soil types. It is low-maintenance and provides habitat and cover for various local animals. It is also a winter food source for birds. Plant switchgrass in borders, meadows, rain gardens, and naturalized landscapes. It also works well for erosion control. 

22. Tufted Hair Grass (Deschampsia cespitosa)

Gardeners also value this cool-season grass for its ornamental properties. Tufted hair grass has a compact growth habit. It produces fine, narrow, dark green leaves and reaches up to 3 feet tall. It also produces delicate seed heads in the late spring to early summer. Specimens are cold-hardy and heat-tolerant. 

Tufted hair grass grows best in well-drained soils and is moderately drought-tolerant once established. It is versatile when it comes to light requirements. Tufted hair grass tolerates full sun to partial shade and is low-maintenance. It also provides habitat and cover to local wildlife and is the host plant for several butterfly species. Plant tufted hair grass in woodland gardens, borders, ground covers, and rock gardens. 

23. Zebra Grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’)

Zebra grass is a cultivar of maiden grass. It is a striking ornamental plant known for its distinctive foliage. It produces long, arching leaves with bold, horizontal golden-yellow stripes that resemble zebra stripes. The perennial reaches as tall as 7 feet with a similar spread and forms large upright and arching clumps. Zebra grass also produces feathery, silver-white to pinkish flower plumes. 

Specimens adapt to a range of conditions and thrive in full sun. They love well-draining soil and are moderately drought-tolerant. Zebra grass is also low-maintenance and deer-resistant. Plant specimens in borders and as focal and specimen plantings to make a bold statement in your landscape. 

Summary: 23 Ornamental Grasses for Zone 6