Shade Tolerant Grasses

Shade Tolerant Grasses

Graceful grasses adapted to shade and filtered light.

The Shade Tolerant Grasses collection features ornamental grasses selected for their ability to perform well in partial shade and filtered light. These grasses bring texture, softness, and natural movement to areas where full sun plants struggle. Well suited to California landscapes, especially the Bay Area, they integrate beautifully into woodland-style gardens, shaded borders, and north-facing spaces.
Liriope

Liriope

Lily of the Nile

Lily of the Nile

african iris modern pathway planting

Iris & African Iris

Society Garlic

Society Garlic

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  • Potted Japanese Blood Grass (Imperata cylindrica ‘Rubra’) with red and green foliage on a gravel surface

    Japanese Blood Grass

    Japanese Blood Grass
  • All Gold Hakone Grass

    All Gold Japanese Forest Grass

    All Gold Japanese Forest Grass
  • Blue Lily of the Nile

    Blue Lily of the Nile

    Blue Lily of the Nile
  • Potted Black Mondo Grass with dark green leaves in a white pot on a wooden surface

    Black Mondo Grass

    Black Mondo Grass
  • Woodland Strawberry

    Woodland Strawberry

    Woodland Strawberry
  • Mexican Daisy

    Mexican Daisy

    Mexican Daisy
  • Beach Strawberry

    Beach Strawberry

    Beach Strawberry
  • African Iris White and purple African Iris, also known as Fortnight Lily (Dietes iridioides) with yellow center in a grassy area

    African Iris

    African Iris
  • Dwarf Mondo Grass Potted Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana' plant with long green leaves in a greenhouse setting

    Dwarf Mondo Grass

    Dwarf Mondo Grass
  • Breeze Dwarf Mat Rush

    Breeze Dwarf Mat Rush

    Breeze Dwarf Mat Rush
  • Close-up of small white flowers amidst green foliage White Flowering Creeping Thyme

    White Flowering Creeping Thyme

    White Flowering Creeping Thyme
  • Yellow Fortnight Lily

    Yellow African Iris

    Yellow African Iris
  • Peter Pan Dwarf Lily of the Nile

    Peter Pan Dwarf Lily of the Nile

    Peter Pan Dwarf Lily of the Nile
  • Woolly Thyme

    Woolly Thyme

    Woolly Thyme
  • Blue Fan Fan Flower

    Blue Fan Fan Flower

    Blue Fan Fan Flower
  • Bush with pink flowers and green leaves on a gravel surface
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    Mauve Creeping Thyme

    Mauve Creeping Thyme
  • Close-up of a cluster of small purple flowers Lime Thymus with green leaves

    Lime Thymus

    Lime Thymus
  • Close-up of a dense cluster of Scaevola Surdiva® ‘White’ with green leaves.

    White Fan Flower

    White Fan Flower
  • Lamb's Ear Green Lamb's Ear plants in pots on a gravel surface with a blurred background

    Lamb's Ear

    Lamb's Ear
  • Black Scallop Carpet Bugle

    Black Scallop Carpet Bugle

    Black Scallop Carpet Bugle
  • Deer Grass

    Deer Grass

    Deer Grass
  • White Lily of the Nile

    White Lily of the Nile

    White Lily of the Nile
  • Blue Boy Spanish Bayonet

    Blue Boy Spanish Bayonet

    Blue Boy Spanish Bayonet
  • Variegated Dwarf Mat Rush

    Variegated Dwarf Mat Rush

    Variegated Dwarf Mat Rush

Frequently asked questions

Can shade tolerant grasses grow without direct sun?
Yes, many perform well in partial shade or filtered light, especially in California gardens.

Do shade tolerant grasses lose leaves seasonally?
Some varieties display lush foliage during the growing season and naturally shed leaves at specific times of year.

Do shade grasses flower?
Yes, many produce decorative flowers ranging from subtle to showy, adding seasonal interest.

Are shade tolerant grasses suitable for woodland gardens?
Absolutely, they are a natural fit for woodland-style and layered shade landscapes.

Are shade tolerant grasses low maintenance?
Most require minimal care once established in suitable conditions.