Many people think midsummer is the wrong time to put anything in the dirt, assuming the heat will just wither away your hard work. You can actually have a thriving garden if you choose the right specimens that enjoy the baking sun.
Finding the Best Grasses to Plant in Summer requires a bit of strategy regarding moisture and soil adaptation. Once you pick the right variety, you will see your yard transform into a lush, dynamic space. Stick around to see which options might fit your specific patch of earth.
Key Takeaways
- Confirm your hardiness zone to ensure the grass survives your local winter.
- Choose between drought-tolerant varieties for low maintenance or moisture-loving types for damp areas.
- Prioritize live plugs if you want to save money on mass plantings.
- Check if the plant is a cool or warm season grower to time your watering correctly.
- Measure your available space because some ornamental grasses spread rapidly over several seasons.
| Classic Garden Anchor |  |
Zebra Grass Three Pack | Distinctive striped foliage | Perfect for height | Easy to divide | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Zero Maintenance Greenery |  |
Vantree Artificial Onion Grass | Resists sun fading | No water needed | Realistic lifelike appearance | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Elegant Vertical Structure |  |
Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass | Stays upright constantly | Reliable seasonal growth | Adds vertical drama | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Vibrant Color Pop |  |
Pink Muhly Grass Trio | Stunning color display | Great for borders | Airy plume texture | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Compact Texture Specialist |  |
Dwarf Fountain Grass Trio | Compact size | Rounded growth habit | Ideal for containers | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Lush Shade Lover |  |
Blue Angel Giant Hosta | Huge foliage size | Excellent shade tolerance | Striking blue hue | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Budget Friendly Edging | Blue Fescue Perennial Seeds | Inexpensive bulk start | Drought tolerant | Unique blue color | View on Amazon | Read Review | |
| Low Water Perennial | Pink Muhly Grass Plug | Native plant variety | Drought tolerant | Beautiful fall blooms | View on Amazon | Read Review | |
| Wetland Garden Essential |  |
Common Soft Rush Grass | Thrives in wet soil | Deep green color | Unique leaf shape | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Bold Color Accent |  |
Red Fountain Grass Pair | Striking red color | Perfect for pots | Drought tolerant | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Zebra Grass Three Pack
Zebra Grass is the gold standard for gardeners who want height and architectural interest. It grows in a distinctive, banded pattern that provides a striking visual contrast to flatter flower beds.
These plants arrive in three separate four-inch containers, making them easy to space out along a walkway. Just keep in mind that they need plenty of room to reach their full, arching mature size.
- Common Name:Zebra Grass
- Plant Type:Ornamental Grass
- Container Size:4 inches
- Quantity:3 plants
- Additional Feature:Unique banded leaf pattern
- Additional Feature:Strong vertical growth
- Additional Feature:Hardy perennial structure
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Vantree Artificial Onion Grass
If your porch lacks the right light or you simply lack the time for upkeep, these UV resistant stems are a smart choice. They mimic the look of live onion grass without any need for watering or pruning.
These are best for filling gaps in decorative pots where live plants struggle. Do not expect the scent or the seasonal changes of a living plant, as these are strictly for permanent visual texture.
- Plant Type:Artificial Grass
- Quantity:8 pieces
- Additional Feature:UV resistant material
- Additional Feature:Suitable for outdoors
- Additional Feature:Flexible decorative stems
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Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass
This is arguably the most famous ornamental grass for a reason. Its upright habit stays tidy all season, standing like a soldier even when other plants begin to flop or sprawl.
It thrives as a cool-season performer, meaning it looks best when spring and autumn temperatures are moderate. Because it is a vigorous grower, ensure you give it enough space so it does not crowd its neighbors.
- Common Name:Feather Reed Grass
- Plant Type:Perennial
- Container Size:1 gallon
- Growth Habit:Upright
- Additional Feature:Tall wheat-like plumes
- Additional Feature:Durable garden performer
- Additional Feature:Low maintenance habit
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Pink Muhly Grass Trio
These grasses are the stars of the late summer show. They produce cotton-candy pink plumes that catch the light beautifully, turning your garden into a soft, airy display.
Plant these in mass groupings to get the full effect of their color. Since they come in small 2.5-inch cubes, you will need to be patient for them to reach their full landscape potential.
- Common Name:Pink Muhly Grass
- Plant Type:Perennial
- Container Size:2.5 inches
- Quantity:3 plants
- Sun Requirement:Full sun
- Additional Feature:Distinctive pink blooms
- Additional Feature:Ornamental aesthetic
- Additional Feature:Drought tolerant once established
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Dwarf Fountain Grass Trio
If you have a smaller garden or a collection of containers, these dwarf fountain grass plants are exactly what you need. They maintain a manageable, rounded shape that works well in tight corners or along the edge of a patio.
These are grown on a dedicated farm, ensuring they are acclimated to standard conditions before they arrive at your door. They are quite small in their four-inch containers, so prepare for a quick transition to larger pots.
- Common Name:Dwarf Fountain Grass
- Plant Type:Ornamental Grass
- Container Size:4 inches
- Quantity:3 pots
- Additional Feature:Farm grown quality
- Additional Feature:Manageable garden size
- Additional Feature:Graceful fountain shape
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Blue Angel Giant Hosta
While technically a foliage plant, the Blue Angel Hosta provides the broad, sculptural leaves that many grass gardens need for contrast. It is the perfect choice for those dark, shady corners where other ornamental grasses simply refuse to grow.
The leaves are a deep, dusty blue-green that feels cool to the eye. Take care to keep the soil moist, as these giant hostas will show their stress if they go too dry for too long.
- Common Name:Blue Angel Hosta
- Plant Type:Perennial
- Sun Requirement:Shade
- Additional Feature:Impressive leaf size
- Additional Feature:Deep blue-green color
- Additional Feature:Ideal for landscaping
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Blue Fescue Perennial Seeds
Starting with over fifty seeds allows you to create a uniform border without spending a fortune. This grass stays low to the ground and features a cool blue tint that pairs exceptionally well with bright flowers.
You will need to pay close attention to germination requirements to ensure success. Once established, these are remarkably drought tolerant and require very little fuss throughout the summer.
- Common Name:Blue Fescue
- Plant Type:Perennial
- Sun Requirement:Sun or shade
- Additional Feature:High volume planting
- Additional Feature:Low growing habit
- Additional Feature:Hardy perennial nature
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Pink Muhly Grass Plug
This single plug is a great way to introduce a splash of color to your landscape without needing a massive garden. It is a native species, which means it is generally hardy and well-adapted to local conditions.
It thrives in full sun and truly comes alive when the pink plumes appear in the fall. Give it plenty of space to spread, as even a single plug can develop into a substantial clump over time.
- Common Name:Pink Muhly Grass
- Plant Type:Perennial
- Sun Requirement:Full sun
- Additional Feature:Airy bloom structure
- Additional Feature:Strong root system
- Additional Feature:Ornamental grass appeal
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Common Soft Rush Grass
If your garden has a low spot that stays constantly damp, this is your best friend. Common Soft Rush loves moisture and brings a rich, deep green color that persists through the summer heat.
It has a unique, cylindrical leaf shape that stands out from typical flat-leaf grasses. Do not try to plant this in a dry, sandy bed, as it will struggle unless you provide a consistent water source.
- Common Name:Common Soft Rush
- Plant Type:Ornamental Grass
- Container Size:1 gallon
- Additional Feature:Moisture loving habit
- Additional Feature:Architectural stem structure
- Additional Feature:Robust growth profile
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Red Fountain Grass Pair
These two plants bring a deep, burgundy-red hue to your patio or garden bed. They are a fantastic way to break up the monotonous green of standard landscape shrubs.
They grow well in pots, making them a versatile choice for entryways or balconies. Keep in mind that they are best treated as annuals in cooler regions, as they prefer the consistent warmth of a long summer.
- Common Name:Red Fountain Grass
- Plant Type:Ornamental Grass
- Quantity:2 plants
- Sun Requirement:Full sun
- Additional Feature:Vibrant red foliage
- Additional Feature:Fountain-like growth
- Additional Feature:Heat tolerant nature
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant grass in the middle of a heatwave?
You can, but it requires a high level of vigilance with water. If temperatures consistently stay above 95 degrees, the stress on new sprouts is extreme. Aim to plant during a week where the forecast shows slightly milder temperatures to give the roots a fighting chance.
How deep should I bury the seeds?
Most grass seeds only need to be covered by 1/8 to 1/4 inch of soil. If you bury them too deep, they will exhaust their energy reserves before reaching the surface. Use a light rake to incorporate them into the top layer of dirt, then press them down so they have good soil contact.
How often should I mow new summer grass?
Wait until the grass reaches about three inches tall before you bring out the mower. Always ensure your mower blades are sharp to avoid tearing the tender shoots, which invites disease. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf height in a single session to avoid shocking the plant.
Why is my new grass turning yellow?
Yellowing often points to an irrigation imbalance or a lack of nitrogen. Check if the soil is staying too wet, which can cause the roots to rot, or if the surface is drying out completely between waterings. Apply a starter fertilizer after the first mow to give the grass the nutrients it needs to turn a healthy green.
When is the best time of day to plant?
Early morning is your best window because it allows the seeds to settle before the peak heat of the day arrives. You avoid the heavy afternoon winds that might blow your seeds into the neighbor's yard. Planting early also gives the soil a chance to stabilize before the sun works its hardest.
