Guide to Decorative Grasses

September 2, 2026

Decorative grasses are highly desired landscape plants that bring natural beauty without constant upkeep, making them an excellent choice for many Colorado homeowners. With so many varieties available, though, it can be difficult to know which ones will thrive in your yard and match your landscaping.

This guide covers what decorative grasses are, which options grow well in Colorado, and how to compare them based on maintenance, drought tolerance, color, and landscape use so you can make confident decisions when designing your landscape.

What Are Decorative Grasses?

As opposed to sod or turf grass, decorative grasses are generally taller and chosen for their appearance.Decorative grasses bring shape, texture, and seasonal color to planting beds, borders, and other landscape features. Many varieties produce graceful seed heads that sway in a light breeze, adding movement as well. Some also provide shelter or nesting material for birds and attract beneficial pollinators. Compared to many flowering plants, decorative grasses need less attention once established, and many varieties easily handle Colorado’s dry climate and changing weather, making them a great choice for sustainable landscapes in Northern Colorado.

Best Decorative Grasses for Colorado Landscapes

Colorado homeowners can choose from both native and non-native decorative grasses. Native grasses evolved in this region; they generally require less supplemental water while supporting local wildlife. Non-native ornamentals can still thrive in Colorado’s climate and offer distinctive colors, shapes, or growth habits that add variety to a landscape.

Blue Fescue

Blue Fescue is a compact ornamental grass that works well in borders, rock gardens, and smaller planting beds. Its blue-gray foliage adds cool-toned color that stands out against green shrubs and flowering perennials. Although it isn’t native to Colorado, it tolerates dry conditions once established and requires only occasional watering during extended droughts. Its neat, rounded shape makes it an easy choice for homeowners who want a tidy, low-maintenance accent plant.

Feather Reed Grass

With its upright growth habit and narrow form, Feather Reed Grass brings strong vertical lines to the landscape. Homeowners often use it to frame entryways, define beds or other outdoor spaces, or create a partial privacy screen. Its tan, feathery seed heads remain attractive well into fall and winter, adding interest after other plants have gone dormant. This non-native ornamental grows best with moderate moisture, making it a good fit for landscapes with regular irrigation.

Switchgrass

Switchgrass is a North American native that grows naturally on Colorado’s eastern plains, making it well-suited for landscapes across the state. Its green foliage develops warm golden and reddish tones in fall, extending seasonal color well beyond summer. Once established, it offers good drought tolerance while developing a deep root system that helps stabilize soil. Its taller size makes it a great option for larger planting beds, erosion control, or mixed perennial borders.

Little Bluestem

Little Bluestem is a Colorado native prairie grass that thrives in sunny, dry locations. Its blue-green foliage transforms into striking shades of bronze, copper, and orange each fall, making it one of the most colorful ornamental grasses for the region. Because it evolved on the Great Plains, it performs well, with minimal irrigation after establishment. Homeowners often choose Little Bluestem for naturalistic landscapes, pollinator gardens, and other water-wise designs that emphasize year-round texture and seasonal color.

Most decorative grasses need only one cutback in late winter or early spring to encourage healthy new growth. As such, they generally require less routine maintenance than many shrubs and flowering perennials.

Professional Landscape Design Makes the Difference

Choosing decorative grasses involves more than picking a favorite color or shape. Any decorative grass will need the right amount of sunlight, soil conditions, hardiness zone, irrigation, and room to reach its mature size. It should also complement nearby trees, shrubs, and perennials while adding visual appeal all year long. A thoughtful landscape design brings all of those elements together, creating an outdoor space that looks balanced and grows successfully for years to come. If you’re ready to refresh your yard, the team at Lindgren Landscape can design a planting plan tailored to your property, your style, and Colorado’s unique growing conditions. Reach out to our award-winning landscape design team today!