Melinda's Garden Moment Radio Tips
Melinda Myers
Nationally known gardening expert, TV/Radio host, author & columnist with over 30 years of horticulture experience and tons of gardening information to share! www.melindamyers.comMelinda's Garden Moment videos will help you create that beautiful landscape you’ve always wanted. Each week throughout the growing season, a new gardening video will be added right here, so be sure to stop back. You can also watch Melinda’s Garden Moments on your local network TV station affiliate.
If you’re looking for some ornamental grasses for shady locations, you do have a few options.
Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra) is shade tolerant and the variegated varieties combine nicely with the bold leaves of hosta. Keep the soil moist, especially in the first few years for greatest success.
Many of the grass-like sedges tolerate shade and moist soils. Palm sedge (Carex muskingumensis) is more upright and grows in full sun to partial shade. Little Midge is a shorter palm sedge (Carex muskingumensis 'Little Midge') that only grows 8 to 10 inches tall and is hardy in zones 4 to 9. Try using these in areas that receive a bit more sun. The golden foliage of Bowles Golden Sedge (Carex elata ‘Aurea’) will brighten up those shady spots and create a striking contrast to the surrounding greenery.
Consider growing the partial shade and moisture loving sweet flag (Acorus). The long narrow leaves mimic that of grass.
A bit more information: Add color and texture to the shade garden with Acorus calamus 'Aureovariegatus'. It grows 9 inches tall and has attractive creamy stripes on the leaves. The variegated foliage helps brighten the shade in zones 3 to 9.