Yes, summer is still in high gear in the Pacific Northwest, but it does feel as if we’re seeing the back side of the hot weather’s last hurrah. As the angle of light settles lower, a sense of the changing seasons is setting in; routines are on track for a big shift as schools ease back into session and thoughts of fall garden projects percolate into our consciousness.
But if previous years can be a guide, we’ve got many days in store of pleasant temps and many opportunities to continue enjoying the garden enchantments of the season. So as we steer a course for fall, I’d like to take a moment to revel in some ornamental grasses, fantastic contributors to autumnal scenes, that are taking center stage in gardens now.

Some grasses are especially wonderful for introducing a dynamic quality as they flow and move, catching the light and the breeze. Two examples: Nassela tenuissima (above) and Miscanthus sinensis 'Adagio'
(our featured image) are particularly showy in late summer and into fall.
Inspiring Images of Grasses in Gorgeous Gardens
Top Picks for Late Summer Grasses
These are some of my current favorites. Follow the individual links to learn more about them and to get ideas for planting combinations that incorporate them. To browse all the ornamental grasses on the site, follow this link.
Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Avalanche'
Avalanche Feather Reed Grass
Type:
Grass / Grass-Like
Exposure:
Full Sun, Full Sun, Part Sun, Afternoon Sun
Zone:
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Deschampsia cespitosa 'Northern Lights'
Northern Lights Tufted Hair Grass
Type:
Grass / Grass-Like, Perennial
Exposure:
Full Sun, Full Sun, Part Sun
Zone:
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Miscanthus sinensis 'Adagio'
Dwarf Maiden Grass
Type:
Grass / Grass-Like
Exposure:
Full Sun, Full Sun, Afternoon Sun
Zone:
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light'
Japanese Silver Grass
Type:
Grass / Grass-Like
Exposure:
Full Sun, Full Sun, Afternoon Sun
Zone:
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Molinia caerulea ssp. caerulea 'Moorflamme'
Purple Moor Grass
Type:
Grass / Grass-Like, Perennial
Exposure:
Full Sun, Full Sun, Afternoon Sun
Zone:
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Molinia caerulea ssp. caerulea 'Variegata'
Variegated Purple Moor Grass
Type:
Grass / Grass-Like, Perennial
Exposure:
Afternoon Sun, Full Sun, Part Sun
Zone:
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Burgundy Bunny'
Burgundy Bunny Fountain Grass
Type:
Grass / Grass-Like, Groundcover
Exposure:
Full Sun, Full Sun, Part Sun, Afternoon Sun, Reflected Heat
Zone:
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Stipa gigantea
Giant Feather Grass
Type:
Grass / Grass-Like
Exposure:
Full Sun, Full Sun, Afternoon Sun, Reflected Heat
Zone:
7, 8, 9, 10
Drought-tolerant Combos in Which Late-season Grasses Shine
Follow the links below to learn more about the individual plants included in each of the featured plant combinations. To explore even more combos that include fall grasses, follow this link.
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Drought Tolerant Mixed Border for a Hot Spot
Zone: 7, 8
view combo
Exposure: Afternoon Sun, Full Sun, Reflected Heat
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Drought Tolerant Perennial Combo for Full Sun
Zone: 8, 9, 10
view combo
Exposure: Afternoon Sun, Full Sun, Reflected Heat, Full Sun
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Drought Tolerant Trio with Multi Season Appeal
Zone: 7, 8, 9
view combo
Exposure: Afternoon Sun, Full Sun
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Fab Foursome for Fall Blooms
Zone: 7, 8, 9
view combo
Exposure: Afternoon Sun, Full Sun, Reflected Heat, Full Sun
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Late Summer Blooms with Clever Late Season Color Echo
Zone: 5, 6, 7, 8
view combo
Exposure: Afternoon Sun, Full Sun, Reflected Heat, Full Sun