10 Beautiful Ornamental Grasses Perfect for Containers

Ornamental grasses have become a staple in gardens, adding texture, movement, and interest to landscapes worldwide. But did you know that these versatile plants are also great for container gardening? Growing ornamental grasses in containers allows you to showcase their beauty without the worry of them spreading and taking over your garden. It also makes them easier to divide and maintain. However, it’s essential to remember that ornamental grasses grown in containers are generally less hardy than those planted in the ground.

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When you grow ornamental grasses in pots, they are typically hardy only to about two zones lower than what they would be in the ground. For example, a grass rated for USDA hardiness zone 5 planted in a pot may only be hardy to zone 7. The actual hardiness of a container-grown ornamental grass depends on factors such as exposure, container material, weather fluctuations, and how well you protect them during winter. You can treat them as annuals, replanting each year, or overwinter them in a sheltered location like a greenhouse, garage, or basement.

Caring for ornamental grasses in containers is similar to caring for any outdoor potted plant. They need regular watering (though they’re not as thirsty as flowering plants), occasional feeding with high nitrogen fertilizer, and yearly maintenance like cutting them back in early spring. Dividing them when they outgrow their containers is vital to prevent them from splitting the pots.

Here are 10 fantastic ornamental grasses that thrive in containers:

1. Blue Lyme Grass (Leymus arenarius)

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Leymus can spread rapidly in garden beds, making it a perfect candidate for containers. With its steel-blue, sword-shaped leaves and spiky flower heads, it grows 2 to 3 feet tall in tufted clumps. Deer and rabbit resistant, it’s an eye-catching addition to any container garden.

2. Blue Oat Grass (Helichtichon sempervivens)

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Blue oat grass adds a cooling blue-gray hue to containers, along with a gentle rustling sound and a touchable texture. Growing 2 to 3 feet tall, it boasts thin spiky leaves and a clumping growth habit that’s sure to impress.

3. Red (Purple) Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’)

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Fountain grass is a container gardening favorite, especially the ‘Rubrum’ cultivar with its rich burgundy color and fountain-like, arching habit. Reaching heights of 3 to 5 feet, its narrow-bladed leaves and tall flower spikes add drama to any space.

4. Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’)

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Hakone grass is a sought-after plant for its golden-striped leaves that turn copper-orange in the autumn. Growing 12 to 18 inches tall with a gracefully arching growth habit, it thrives in containers, even if you don’t have its preferred moist, partially shaded conditions.

5. Bamboo Muhly (Muhlenbergia dumosa)

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Named for its bamboo-like foliage, this California and Arizona native thrives in containers with its sun-loving, heat-tolerant nature. Reaching heights of 3 to 5 feet, its delicate, finely textured foliage adds a unique touch to any container garden.

6. Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’)

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Feather reed grasses are popular choices for container gardening, with ‘Karl Foerster’ standing out for its tall flower plumes that create a focal point in any display. Although it needs protection from the sun, it can survive winters in containers down to zone 6, reaching heights of about 5 feet.

7. Leatherleaf Sedge (Carex buchananii)

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Sedges often go unnoticed in gardens, but when grown in containers, their bronze-tinged leaves shine in the sun. With fine-textured, upright foliage reaching heights of 1 to 2 feet, leatherleaf sedge adds a touch of elegance to any container arrangement.

8. Japanese Silver Grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’)

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Miscanthus sinensis is a popular choice for container gardening, offering an airy growth habit with white variegated margins on its leaves that brighten up any space. Reaching heights of 3 to 7 feet, it adds a softening effect to container displays.

9. Japanese Sweet Flag (Acorus gramineus ‘Ogon’)

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Japanese sweet flag is a short but stunning addition to containers, with its beautiful gold color and sweet scent. Reaching heights of 6 to 12 inches, it adds a pop of color and fragrance to any container garden.

10. New Zealand Flax (Phormium tenax)

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New Zealand flax may not be a true grass, but its spiky, sword-like leaves make it a versatile plant for container gardening. Available in a range of colors and heights, it adds a bold, architectural element to any container display.

When planting ornamental grasses in containers, it’s essential to use the right soil mix. Unlike most potted plants, ornamental grasses thrive in a mixture of compost, topsoil, and a bit of grit like perlite. Watering frequency depends on the grass’s moisture preferences, so be sure to adjust accordingly. With the right care and conditions, these 10 ornamental grasses will thrive in your containers, adding beauty and texture to your garden.