The Fast-Growing Perennial Grass Variety That Thrives In The Shade

Although varieties of grass may not be at the top of your list when adding perennials to your yard, they are a great way to bring texture and depth to a larger garden. Many ornamental grasses are low-maintenance, easy to grow, and can thrive in a range of locations. If you have a shady spot in your garden that needs filling, inland sea oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) may be perfect for you. This fast-growing ornamental grass is tolerant of shade and is beautiful to look at, with intriguing flower spikelets that droop away from the main plant in dramatic arcs. 

Growing up to 5 feet in height, inland sea oats can take as little as two years to reach maturity. Its colors track with the seasons, with its thick, light green leaves turning a gold-yellow color in fall, and then brown in the winter months. The beige flower spikelets it produces in spring turn purple in the fall. These spikes sway in a slight breeze, adding movement and life to your yard.

Inland sea oats can be grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 8. They prefer moist, fertile soil but can tolerate various types. However, the plant tends to grow smaller in drier, less fertile locations. Pick a shady spot for your inland sea oats, avoiding too much direct sun, as this can affect the color of the leaves. You can grow inland sea oats from seed, or you can purchase new plants from a garden store.

If you are planting new inland sea oats from a garden store, loosen the root balls before placing them in the soil, and ensure you are giving each plant enough room to grow to its mature size. Keep on top of watering during the first few weeks of growth to help establish a good root system. This perennial likes moisture, so if your soil is getting too dry, it may be helpful to bring in an irrigation system. 

To keep your inland sea oats looking neat, you may wish to cut back dead stalks during the wintertime. You can also give them a trim in May and June if the grass is growing taller than you want. Cutting ornamental grass can be a bit difficult, so use twine or ropes to hold dead sections together. This will allow you to cut them all together and also helps with clean up. If they become overgrown, you can divide your ornamental grass in the spring.