Ornamental Grass for a Moist Shady Site

I would like to plant small ornamental grasses 6-8 inches tall in an area that is shady and very moist. The area does dry out some during the summer but is very wet during fall, winter and spring.

Many of the grass-like sedges tolerate shade and moist soils. Unfortunately most that tolerate the wet conditions are taller than 8 inches. I would try one or two plants to see how they do in these challenging conditions before planting large quantities.

Silver Sceptre Sedge (Carex morrowi ‘Silver Sceptre’) grows to 10 inches tall and tolerates full to part shade and moist soils and is hardy in zones 5 to 9.

Little Midge palm sedge (Carex muskingumensis ‘Little Midge’) will tolerate moist to wet soils, grows 8 to 10 inches tall but only tolerates light shade and is hardy in zones 4 to 9. Try using this in areas that receive a bit more sun.

Consider growing sweet flag. The long narrow leaves give the look and feel of a grass and these plants tolerate wet soil and part shade. Acorus calamus ‘Aureovariegatus’ grows 9 inches tall and has attractive creamy stripes on the leaves. The variegated foliage helps brighten the shade in zones 3 to 9.