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Shade ornamental grasses

Discover the understated elegance of shade ornamental grasses, a refined selection curated by Heijnen Plants for those garden spaces where sunlight gently filters through. Our collection embodies resilience and grace, offering a tranquil retreat with textures and movements that soothe the soul. Each species has been chosen for its ability to thrive in lower light, bringing life and beauty to the quiet corners of your garden. Embrace the serenity and sculptural beauty that these grasses bring to shaded landscapes.

40cm

Carex caryophyllea 'The Beatles' Iron grass

5-10cm

Added to shopping cart

4^50From

Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance' Sedge

3^80From

40cm

Carex morrowii 'Variegata' Morrow's sedge

5-10cm

Added to shopping cart

3^80From

30cm

Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata' Bird's foot sedge

5-10cm

Added to shopping cart

3^70From

Carex oshimensis 'Evergold' Japanese sedge

3^95From

100cm

Carex pendula Pendulous sedge

5-10cm

Added to shopping cart

3^45From

Liriope muscari 'Moneymaker' Lilyturf

4^55From

Liriope muscari 'Monroe White' Lilyturf

5^40From

Liriope muscari 'Royal Purple' Lilyturf

4^65From

25cm

Luzula pilosa 'Igel' Hairy wood-rush

5-10cm

Added to shopping cart

3^70From

50cm

Luzula sylvatica Great wood-rush

5-10cm

Added to shopping cart

3^35From

30cm

Carex ornithopoda 'Silver Sceptre' Bird's foot sedge

5-10cm

Added to shopping cart

3^60From

60cm

Luzula nivea Snow-white wood-rush

5-10cm

Added to shopping cart

3^35From

Buy shade ornamental grasses

Welcome to the serene world of shade ornamental grasses, where the understated elegance of Carex ornithopoda 'Silver Sceptre' and the rich hues of Liriope muscari 'Royal Purple' thrive in the dappled light. These grasses are perfect for bringing life and texture to cooler, shaded areas of your garden, offering a lush backdrop or delicate accent with their unique foliage and colors. Embrace the tranquility of shaded spaces by incorporating these graceful grasses into your landscape design.

The Charm of Shade Ornamental Grasses

Shade ornamental grasses offer a wonderful opportunity to add interest and beauty to those parts of your garden that may not receive full sunlight. These grasses are not only versatile but also provide a variety of textures, colors, and movement to your garden design. Shade-loving grasses can create a lush understory in woodland gardens, fill in spaces between larger shrubs, or even serve as an elegant ground cover.

Ideal Conditions for Shade-Loving Grasses

While many plants require full sun to thrive, shade ornamental grasses are specially adapted to flourish in lower light conditions. They prefer areas that are shielded from the intense midday sun, such as under the canopy of large trees or on the north side of buildings. Despite their preference for shade, these grasses still need some light, so dappled shade or a site that receives morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal. Ensuring the soil is rich in organic matter and well-draining will contribute to the health and growth of these grasses.

Selecting the Right Grasses for Your Garden

When choosing grasses for shaded areas, it's important to consider the specific needs and characteristics of each variety. For example, Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata' and Carex morrowii 'Variegata' offer striking variegated foliage that can brighten up dark corners of the garden. The arching fronds of Carex pendula provide a soft texture and movement, while the snowy blooms of Luzula nivea bring a touch of light to the understory.

For those seeking a pop of color, the deep purple blooms of Liriope muscari 'Royal Purple' and the pristine white flowers of Liriope muscari 'Monroe White' are excellent choices. Luzula sylvatica, also known as great wood-rush, offers a lush green presence that pairs well with other shade dwellers. The charming Luzula pilosa 'Igel', or hairy wood-rush, adds a unique texture with its tufted growth habit.

Lastly, for a more robust option, Liriope muscari 'Moneymaker' stands out with its vigorous growth and abundant flowering, making it a reliable choice for gardeners looking to fill larger shaded areas with ease.

Caring for Your Shade Ornamental Grasses

Once established, shade ornamental grasses are relatively low-maintenance. They require minimal care, thriving in the cool, moist environment that shaded areas often provide. Regular watering during dry spells will help keep them healthy, especially in the first year after planting when they are establishing their root systems. An annual application of compost or a balanced fertilizer in the spring can encourage lush growth. Trimming back the previous year's foliage in early spring will make way for fresh new growth and ensure that your grasses remain attractive throughout the seasons.

By incorporating shade ornamental grasses into your garden, you invite a sense of calm and a natural aesthetic that can be appreciated year-round. The subtle grace of Carex, the striking colors of Liriope, and the textural presence of Luzula make for a garden that is both serene and alive with interest, even in the quietest corners.

What function can shade ornamental grasses have in a garden?

In the garden, shade ornamental grasses serve as elegant textural contrasts to other plants, providing movement and interest. They can act as ground covers, fill in gaps in shaded garden beds, and even perform as focal points in container arrangements on shaded patios or balconies.

Which is the best period for transplanting shade ornamental grasses?

The best time to transplant shade ornamental grasses is during their dormancy period in early spring or late autumn. This timing allows the plants to settle in without the stress of blooming or growing, which typically occurs once the weather warms up.

Which plants can be combined well with shade ornamental grasses?

Shade ornamental grasses can be beautifully combined with ferns, which share similar light and moisture requirements. Additionally, pairing them with perennial plants and ground cover plants can create a lush tapestry of textures and colors, enhancing the visual appeal of shaded garden areas.

In which soil type do most shade ornamental grasses grow well?

Most shade ornamental grasses grow well in fertile, well-draining soil. They prefer a moist environment, but the soil should not be waterlogged. Adding organic matter to the soil can improve its structure, increase its nutrient content, and enhance the overall health and growth of these grasses.

What popular types of shade ornamental grasses are there?

Popular varieties of shade ornamental grasses include Carex morrowii 'Variegata', which offers striking variegated foliage, and Luzula nivea, known for its snowy-white blooms. Liriope muscari varieties such as 'Royal Purple', 'Monroe White', and 'Moneymaker' are also favored for their grass-like leaves and attractive flowers.

In what period can I best plant shade ornamental grasses?

The optimal period for planting shade ornamental grasses is either in the early spring or early autumn. These times offer mild temperatures and usually more consistent moisture levels, which help the grasses to establish their root systems without the stress of extreme heat or cold that can occur in mid-summer or winter.

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