Top 5 Drought Tolerant Ornamental Grasses for Full Sun - Add Texture and Interest to Your Landscape
Living in the Napa area with hot summers and limited rainfall, means finding plants that can thrive in these conditions.
This spells C H A L L E N G E.
Fortunately, there are many ornamental grasses that are not only drought tolerant but also add texture, movement, and interest to your landscape. Here are our top 5 drought tolerant ornamental grasses for full sun:
Blue Fescue
(Festuca glauca)
Blue-gray foliage adds a cool-toned accent to your garden
Grows up to 12 inches tall and wide, forming a compact mound
Tolerates dry soil and full sun
Low maintenance and deer resistant
Mexican Feather Grass
(Nassella tenuissima)
Fine-textured, emerald green foliage sways in the breeze
Grows up to 2 feet tall and wide, forming a graceful clump
Tolerates dry soil and full sun
Attracts birds and butterflies
Can be invasive in some areas, so check with your local extension office before planting California Invasive and Native Species Resources
Switchgrass
(Panicum virgatum)
Tall, upright habit with airy plumes of flowers in late summer
Grows up to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide, providing vertical interest in the garden
Tolerates dry soil and full sun
Provides habitat for birds and other wildlife
Little Bluestem
(Schizachyrium scoparium)
Rust-colored foliage turns coppery in the fall, adding warmth to the garden
Grows up to 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide, forming a dense clump
Tolerates dry soil and full sun
Provides food and shelter for wildlife
Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum)
Burgundy-purple foliage and fluffy pinkish-purple flowers add drama to the landscape
Grows up to 3 feet tall and wide, forming a fountain-like shape
Tolerates dry soil and full sun
Needs to be protected from frost in colder climates
Final Thoughts
Incorporating drought tolerant ornamental grasses into your garden not only saves water but also adds beauty and interest to your landscape. These top 5 grasses are just a few examples of the many options available. Be sure to check with your local nursery or extension office for recommendations that are best suited to your specific climate and growing conditions.
