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Tall ornamental grasses for part shade

UnionworkerukUnionworkeruk Posts: 187
in Plants
I need to disguise a section of the back part of a small garden until I can clear it up(bags of soil rubble etc) I have put up a 3 m high hazel fence and would now like to plant some grasses in front of it  It doesnt get much sun as blocked by surrounding houses.  I would like to plant a couple of ornamental grasses with a height of about 2m but most suitable for part shade dont seem to grow to that height.  Any ideas  ?   

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I grow Spartina which is fine with some shade. It can make quite a large clump if it's happy.
    I think many Miscanthus will tolerate a fair bit of shade. I haven't grown them for a long time but @Plantminded and @GardenerSuze grow plenty, so might be able to help you  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    I have Calamagrostis Karl Foerster growing in several locations in my garden, mostly in sun.  However, one clump gets only early morning sun until about 11am and is as tall as the others at about 1.5m when in flower.  It’s quick growing, easy to maintain and thrives in my dry, sandy soil.  Worth giving it a try @Unionworkeruk!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • UnionworkerukUnionworkeruk Posts: 187
    As you can see I do have some Calamagrostis Karl Foerster in another part of the garden. You can also see where the sun is !  I also have one already growing close to the fence so you are probably right and that would be the best bet. 
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @Unionworkeruk As you have C Karl Foerster already in the garden and if it is a good size you could dig up a' decent sized chunk ' from the side and give it a go in the area you want some coverage.
    It is something I shoudn't recommend as it is very tall at present but I have done it on more than one occasion. It will need healing in well and watering until settled.
    This will give a good indication of whether or not grasses will do well in this area but you must accept you could loose it altogether if you go ahead now.

    The reason for growing grasses is to enjoy the stunning flowers which you won't get in shade. Growth is also slow.
    I am not aware of any tall grasses that grow well in semi shade. I have a dozen different ones all in full sun.
    Sedges are good for shade but no height.

    The correct way to do the above which you may prefer is to wait until spring as it just starts to grow then lift and split. Put some back and use the rest for your project.


    I would not spend any money on this until you have experimented. If you are going to loose a plant best that it is one that you already have some of elsewhere.

    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • Butterfly66Butterfly66 Posts: 970
    I have Miscanthus Malepartus in a shady spot, no direct sun. It grows healthily, to the expected height and flowers. Slower to form a larger clump than ones I’ve grown in a sunnier spot but where it is, is also very dry so that might be a contributor to the slower expansion.
     If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.”—Marcus Tullius Cicero
    East facing, top of a hill clay-loam, cultivated for centuries (7 years by me). Birmingham
  • UnionworkerukUnionworkeruk Posts: 187
    Sounds and looks like just what I am after.Some nurseries  do say suitable for part or low shade. others full sun only   I have seen a 5l plant for just £12 so I will buy one see how it goes and if its OK will buy a couple more for next year  Thanks for your help
  • M33R4M33R4 Posts: 291
    edited July 2023
    I love the Karl Foester grass:

    A kind lady off Facebook market place gave this to me for free.
    I wish I could garden all year round!
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited July 2023
    @Unionworkeruk I have grown M Malepartus in semi shade it grew but didn't look happy. Soil and just how much sun it gets can vary from garden to garden.
    You may find long term that lifting and splitting the Calamagrostis and doing a swap with the Miscanthus [a lovely grass] is another way.
     This is Miscanthus sinensis Kliene Fontane in full sun. Almost impossible to split.
    At it's best after dark, with the addition of a street light in November.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
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