10 Low-Maintenance Perennial Grasses That Thrive Year After Year

Fountain Grass

Fountain grass (Pennisetum) is a drought-resistant perennial that’s low frills and attractive. This ornamental grass has graceful, arching clumps of foliage reminiscent of fountains.

“Fountain grass enjoys full sun and well-drained soil,” says Tammy Sons, founder and CEO of TN Nursery. “Early spring is the time to cut away its old growth.” Plant fountain grass in a sunny spot for the best results.

• Hardiness Zone: 3 to 10
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-draining, loamy, clay, or sandy soil

Perennial Ryegrass

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that’s popular for lawn grass.

“At Lawn Squad, we specialize in perennial ryegrass, which is one of the quickest germinating and establishing grasses on the market for homeowners in the ‘cool season’ region of the country,” says Rob Palmer, brand president at Lawn Squad. “In the northern U.S., perennial ryegrass can thrive year-round and is often used as one of the main species in most northern home lawns.”

Perennial ryegrass flourishes in sunny locations and does well in seed mixes with other varieties of grass such as Kentucky bluegrass.

• Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil

Silvergrass

Silvergrass (Miscanthus spp.), also known as miscanthus, is a low-maintenance perennial grass that’s tall and forms dense, feathery clumps. The graceful grass is drought-resistant and thrives in warm weather.

“This ornamental grass provides texture while requiring pruning solely during late winter for fresh growth,” Sons says. Plant silvergrass in a full to partially sunny location with fertile soil. 

• Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
• Light: Full, partial
• Soil: Rich, well-draining

Sedge

Sedges (Cyperaceae) are popular foliage plants that come in more than 2,000 varieties.

“Sedge comes in different varieties, and it’s important to choose the right one for your yard’s conditions,” Palmer says. Sedge colors can range from green to red and purple and their care needs can vary by specific type.

“Sedge loves moist, well-drained soil and prefers partial to full shade,” Palmer advises. “It’ll do best in areas with consistent moisture. Plant your sedge in the spring or early fall.” Make sure to space them out to give them room to grow and spread naturally.

• Hardiness Zone: 3 to 10
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, well-draining soil

Blue Fescue

Blue fescue (Festuca glauca) has an alluring, silvery blue-green hue and grows in clumps. This fast-growing perennial is a popular companion plant to provide a stunning backdrop for gardens.

“The small size and minimal water requirements of this plant make it perfect for border planting,” Sons explains. “Maintaining its appearance requires light trimming after it finishes flowering.”

• Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
• Light: Full, partial sun
• Soil: Moist, well-draining

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutifolia ‘Karl Foerster’) is a striking perennial requiring little upkeep. The tall, elegant grass has feathery blooms that are purple and pink in spring and then transform into a warm wheat hue.

“Karl Foerster can handle periods of drought and wet soil but prefers the soil to be consistently moist,” says Laura Janney, CEO of The Inspired Garden. Plant Karl Foerster in a sunny location and divide every three to four years, Janney advises.

• Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
• Light: Full to partial sun
• Soil: Well-draining, moist, fertile soil

Pampas Grass

Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is a low-maintenance flowering perennial with feathery plumes. The hardy plant thrives in warm to hot weather but can also grow in cooler conditions.

“Pampas grass creates a striking visual impact that requires only the removal of dead foliage after winter frosts,” Sons says. Plant pampas grass in well-draining soil where it will get plenty of sunlight. 

• Hardiness Zone: 7 to 10
• Light: Full, partial sun
• Soil: Well-draining, loamy, moist

Pink Muhly Grass

Pink muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris), also called hairawn muhly or hairgrass, is a hardy perennial with signature pink plumes during the fall season.

“Pink muhly grass prefers well-drained soil and can handle a variety of soil types,” Janney says. Water occasionally but deeply, Janney advises, and cut back dead foliage in late winter to early spring. Once established, this fast-growing perennial can be drought tolerant.

• Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Moist, well-draining, loamy, moist soil

Switchgrass

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is an easy ornamental perennial grass that thrives in warm weather. The native North American grass grows in clumps and turns yellow during the fall months.

Switchgrass prefers well-draining soil and a sunny location. The tough perennial is resistant to pests and can grow as far south as Mexico and as far north as Canada. “Once established, switchgrass is drought tolerant but may need some occasional watering,” Janney says. 

• Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
• Light: Full, partial sun
• Soil: Moist, sandy, clay soil

Hakone Grass

Hakone grass (Hakonechloa macra), also known as Japanese forest grass, is a low-maintenance deciduous perennial grass. This shade-loving grass grows in clumps with cascading leaves. Plant it in full to partial shade with well-draining soil.

“It does not like heavy clay soil and likes humus and organic matter,” Janney says. “It likes soil consistently moist but not waterlogged or soggy.” Japanese forest grass can handle periods of drought.

• Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
• Light: Partial sun
• Soil: Well-draining, moist soil