9 Ornamental Grasses That Thrive in Pots and Containers

Close-up of variegated Japanese sedge in pot outdoors — Credit:
Getty Images

Whether you’re short on garden space or simply want to bring more texture to your patio, ornamental grasses make exceptional container plants. "They're hardy, versatile, and well-suited to different growing conditions," says David Hill, owner of Ornamental Grasses of Puget Sound. "Plus, they can be pretty forgiving if you miss a watering."

Since caring for these plants is so simple, there's no reason not to add them to your porch or container garden. Below, a few expert-approved favorites—and how to keep them thriving all season.

Melinda Myers, horticulturist and gardening expert
David Hill, owner of Ornamental Grasses of Puget Sound

01 of 09

Miscanthus "Little Miss"

Ornamental grass with tall feathery plumes in a garden setting — Credit:
Sugar Creek Gardens

This compact variety of maiden grass adds subtle seasonal color. Its slender green leaves take on reddish-purple tones in summer and deepen to warm shades of red in fall. In midsummer, soft red plumes appear and mature to tan seed heads that provide gentle winter interest, according to Hill.

Zones: 4 to 9
Size: 2 to 3 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
Care requirements: Full to partial sun; rich, well-draining soil

02 of 09

Miscanthus "Gold Bar"

Potted plant with a watering can on a balcony — Credit:
Getty Images

With green leaves marked by horizontal gold bands, this striking ornamental grass matures slowly—making it perfect for container life. Burgundy flowers appear in early autumn, complementing the plant’s upright shape.

“When choosing tall varieties, ensure the container is weighted enough to balance the eventual height of the grass,” Hill notes.

Zones: 5 to 9
Size: 4 to 5 feet tall x 2 to 4 feet wide
Care requirements: Full to partial sun; moist, well-draining soil

03 of 09

Mexican Feather

“Their shallow root systems adapt easily to pot life, making them perfect for limited garden spaces like patios, balconies, or entryways,” Hill says.

This soft grass (Nassella tenuissima) thrives in full sun and heat with very little maintenance. Its hairlike leaves sway beautifully in the breeze, adding movement to container arrangements.

Zones: 7 to 10
Size: 2 to 3 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
Care requirements: Full to partial sun; loamy, well-draining soil

04 of 09

Orange Sedge

Ornamental grass plants in an outdoor setting — Credit:
Getty Images

Hill recommends Carex testacea, or Orange Sedge, for its compact size and year-round visual appeal. Its arching leaves shift from bronze-green to brilliant orange, creating a stunning contrast in mixed containers.

Zones: 6 to 10
Size: 1 to 2 feet tall x 1 to 2 feet wide
Care requirements: Full to partial sun; rich, well-draining soil

05 of 09

Coffee Sedge

A cluster of ornamental grass in a garden setting — Credit:
Emerisa's Garden

This Carex variety checks all the boxes for an ideal container plant. Its delicate, copper-bronze leaves add contrast to container arrangements, its clumping growth habit makes it easy to manage, and it does well in both sun and partial shade.

Zones: 6 to 9
Size: 1 to 2 feet tall x 1 to 2 feet wide
Care requirements: Full to partial sun; rich, well-draining soil

06 of 09

Japanese Forest Grass

Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra) cascades over container edges, adding a soft, layered appearance. It grows slowly and can stay in its pot for many years.

“Most of the grasses on our list will thrive in containers, but ensure those that prefer shade, like [this one], get a suitable shady spot, like a north-facing porch,” Hill says.

Zones: 4 to 9
Size: 1 to 2 feet tall x 1 to 2 feet wide
Care requirements: Full to partial shade; rich, well-draining soil

07 of 09

Little Bluestem "Little Red Fox"

Tall grass in a meadow with trees in the background — Credit:
Getty Images

Melinda Myers, a horticulturist and gardening expert, describes this ornamental grass as a compact version of the native little bluestem, with graceful foliage, warm fall tones, and soft seed heads. Native across most of the US, this bluestem brings rich red tones to fall containers.

Its deep roots mean it needs a deep pot and excellent drainage.

Zones: 3 to 10b
Size: 2 to 3 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; loamy, well-draining soil

08 of 09

Big Bluestem "Blackhawks"

Big Bluestem Grass — Credit:
Getty Images

This taller native species brings vertical interest to large containers. “The foliage starts green and turns a deep purple starting mid-summer, getting darker in the fall. Seed heads add to the fall interest,” Myers says.