Mexican Feather Grass — Lightweight and Constantly Moving
Mexican feather grass is one of the most graceful grasses available for home gardens. Its thin, feather-like blades are silvery green and catch even the faintest breeze, creating constant gentle movement across the bed. Seeds appear at the very tips of the leaves in early summer, and feathery panicles persist throughout the entire season. This grass tolerates full sun to part shade and is resistant to rabbits, deer, and drought, with essentially no pest or disease issues. It thrives in hardiness zones 6 through 10 and reaches a mature size of 1 to 3 feet in both height and width. Gardeners in desert climates will find it especially well suited since it handles dry, hot conditions without complaint. It works particularly well as a border plant or massed in groups where the collective movement creates a flowing, animated effect.
Pampas Grass — The Bold Statement Maker
Pampas grass commands attention. Its narrow, arching gray-green leaves build a dense base from which enormous creamy white plumes rise in August and persist through September. Few ornamental grasses match the dramatic presence of its flowers at full height. This tough perennial grows 4 to 6 feet tall and spreads 3 to 4 feet wide, thriving in zones 7 through 10. It is drought tolerant and deer resistant, requiring very little maintenance once established. One often-overlooked bonus: pampas grass is one of the best candidates for dried flower arrangements. Cut a few stems before the plumes fully open, let them dry indoors, and they hold their shape for months in a vase. Among flowering grasses, it ranks as one of the most cold-hardy within its zone range and is a reliable performer even in challenging conditions.
Purple Fountain Grass — Rich Color in a Fast-Growing Package
Purple fountain grass delivers some of the most striking color of any ornamental grass available. Its rich burgundy foliage provides a dramatic contrast in mixed beds, and long arching plumes in shades of crimson extend the visual interest upward. This grass grows quickly and works well in containers or as a standalone focal point. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, reaching 3 to 5 feet tall with a spread of up to 4 feet. The flower plumes themselves grow up to 1 foot in length, giving the plant an impressive silhouette. In colder climates, purple fountain grass is treated as an annual since it is only winter hardy in zone 9 and above. Gardeners in warmer regions benefit from its perennial nature, while those in cooler areas often find it worth replanting each year for the color payoff it provides throughout the season.
