7 easy ornamental grasses to plant in September that'll bring texture, movement, and beauty to your garden – plant them now before it's too late

Ornamental grasses are often undervalued as part of landscapes, but offer a lot in the background without demanding the attention of more showy counterparts in beds or borders. If you want to add drama to your yard, September is an ideal time to plant ornamental grasses from cooler climates.

So, why plant ornamental grasses in September? Let's consider what they contribute. Grasses add texture, colour, and movement, and they are low-maintenance. Sounds good, yes. Plus, early fall is a perfect time to plant them, as the soil is warm and moist, giving them enough time to settle and establish roots before winter.

So, if this has piqued your interest, we reveal some fabulous ornamental grasses to plant in September that'll give you stunning beauty in flower beds and provide long seasons of interest

1. Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau'

Deschampsia, or tufted hair grass, can grow in a wide range of soil types, including heavier soils and damp sites. There are many species of Deschampsia; however, the two main types for backyards are Deschampsia cespitosa and Deschampsia flexuosa.

Of those, the former always impresses with stiff leaves and arching sprays of masses of cloud-like flowers that dance in the light. It thrives in full sun or light shade, and can be a drought-tolerant plant once established.

This Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau' at Amazon is great for landscaping with ornamental grasses. This compact, evergreen tufted hair grass reaches three feet tall, has mid-green leaves that develop to golden brown, and silvery plumes of flowers.

2. Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue'

Festuca grasses, commonly referred to as fescues, are low-growing plants in shades of grey-green or blue. Native to Europe, they offer a unique, striking shades that work well for the front edges of borders or winter planters.

In particular, blue fescue grasses reach 8-12 inches and make distinctive ground cover plants when planted en masse. Hardy in US hardiness zones 4-10, they want 6-8 hours of sunlight per day for the blue shade of foliage. The color is best in the sun, and they will turn greyer in the shade.

You can get 'Elijah Blue' fescue grasses at Walmart to add distinctive ice-blue narrow leaves to any landscape. Whether you want to add something unique to your flower beds or rock garden, plant it in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil.

Some varieties of Festuca, including Festuca arundinacea and Festuca rubra, are considered invasive plants in the US. However, blue fescue grasses are not on the invasive list.

3. Helictotrichon sempervirens

Helictotrichon, or oatgrass, is a genus of grasses native to Africa and North America. One of the most charming and popular species is Helictotrichon sempervirens, commonly known as blue oat grass.

It is another grass that can add blue shades to any space, but offers a larger alternative to blue fescue grass. Helictotrichon sempervirens reach up to five feet with arching blue-purple flowers on tall stems rising out of clumps of blue leaves.

However, if you are after a more compact version, the modern cultivar of Sapphire Blue Oat Grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens 'Sapphire') might fit the bill. This variety reaches only two feet and offers the opportunity for a stunning deer-resistant plant that makes quite an impact as ground cover. Or you can grow the grass in containers for a dramatic effect in small spaces.

You can get live Helictotrichon sempervirens 'Sapphire' plants at Nature Hills.

4. Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster'

Calamagrostis, also known as feather reed grass, is one of the finest ornamental grasses for winter interest as it continues to stand tall and impressive in the yard throughout the colder months, adding structure and movement to any bed.

These deciduous grasses can reach six feet, depending on the variety, and have fluffy flower heads that form in midsummer on tall, thin stems. The stems and flowers all take on a glorious golden hue in the fall.

Calamagrostis Karl Foerster is one of the most popular ornamental grasses worldwide. Named after a German plantsman, they have heavier seed heads than other calamagrostis, which increases their sway in the breeze, as the plants add height and movement to any bed.

You can purchase live plants of Calamagrostis Karl Foerster at Amazon to grow in US hardiness zones 4-9.

5. Hakonechloa macra

Japanese forest grass, or Hakonechloa macra, is a slow-growing ornamental grass with bright foliage and lime-green flowers that appear in midsummer, before the leaves change to reddish in the fall.

If you are looking for edging ideas or plants to line a garden path, Japanese forest grass offers a stylish option. But it is versatile and can also impress when paired with shrubs or grown as part of container gardening ideas.

For something a bit different, you can buy Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold' live plants at Amazon, which offer alternative yellow variegated foliage rather than the live green leaves of other varieties.

6. Pennsylvania sedge

Sedges are grasses in the Carex genus and include many native grasses to North America. It includes Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica), which can be grown as a low ground cover carpet or as an alternative to a lawn.

It is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant that reaches just 6-12 inches tall and spreads by rhizomes, and will even happily grow in the shade.

Whether you are part of the anti-lawn movement and seeking a wilder alternative to traditional turf grasses, or seeking a low-growing grass to edge borders or paths, then why not consider Pennsylvania sedge?

You can get live Pennsylvania sedge plants at Amazon to plant in partial-sun or shade in US hardiness zones 3-8.

7. Stipa tenuissima

Stipa is a genus of grasses also known as feather grass or needle grass. They are evergreen or deciduous varieties of stipa, but all are hardy, versatile, and attractive grasses.

The stipa flowerheads are airy and oat-like, standing strong into the colder months, where they look beautiful, tinged with frost – making them fine ornamental grasses for winter interest.

A particular favorite is Stipa tenuissima, aka Mexican feather grass. Reaching two feet tall and wide, it is a compact grass ideal for smaller borders or large containers, where it will impress with wispy yellow-green leaves and silvery-green flowers.

You can get a Pony Tails Mexican Feather Grass from Nature Hills to grow in sunny spots throughout US hardiness zones 6-10.

It is important to note that Mexican feather grass is considered invasive in California, so check with your local extension office before planting.

If you are looking for some more planting inspiration for your fall gardening checklist, our guide to perennials to plant in September features seven great options that will provide you with glorious spring blooms.

If you have a smaller space, we've got you covered too, with this guide to plants to add to pots in September.